MetroHealth's Trauma and Burn Unit Physicians Share Safety Tips for Independence Day
At The MetroHealth System’s Level I Trauma Center, physicians see an increase in burn-related injuries during the summer. Due to the pandemic this year, more people are expected to stay home for Fourth of July celebrations.
Fireworks, campfires and propane grill use are common culprits for injuries but following a few safety tips might save a trip to visit our doctors.
We encourage following state and local laws regarding firework use. Even sparklers can cause flame and burn injuries. Always maintain close parental supervision. Unfortunately, MetroHealth typically sees about six burn and blast injuries every Independence Day holiday.
Propane grills and summer weather go hand in hand, but there are simple ways to keep safety first. Make sure all connections are working properly before use, clean your grill regularly to prevent grease buildup and keep the grill away from homes and structures while cooking.
Summer night bonfires can also turn dangerous very quickly. Remember to never use accelerants to ignite a fire, use fire rings or screens when available and drink responsibly since alcohol is often a contributing factor to burn injuries.
Fall injuries are also prominent for children during summer months. This includes falls from the bed, highchair, bikes and sports-related falls spanning all age groups.
MetroHealth physicians want to help make sure the holiday weekend is a safe, fun time for everyone. If there is an emergency, MetroHealth locations at Brecksville, Cleveland Heights, Parma and Main Campus will be open.
For smaller, superficial burns or questions about burn injuries, patients can call the outpatient clinic during business hours on Monday through Friday at (216) 778-1775.
Founded in 1837, MetroHealth is leading the way to a healthier you and a healthier community through service, teaching, discovery, and teamwork. Cuyahoga County’s public, safety-net hospital system, MetroHealth meets people where they are, providing care through four hospitals, four emergency departments, and more than 20 health centers and 40 additional sites. Each day, our 8,000 employees focus on providing our community with equitable health care–through patient-focused research, access to care, and support services–that seeks to eradicate health disparities rooted in systematic barriers. For more information, visit metrohealth.org.
