Fireworks injuries: How to treat them, when to call 911

According to WRAL's Dr. Allen Mask, for that reason, this can be a busy week for burn care specialists.

Colorful fireworks displays celebrating Independence Day are best handled by professionals with spectators at a safe distance. According to officials, it's when amateurs handle consumer brand fireworks that most injuries occur.

"It always seems to be something that happens in an instant, said Dr. Bruce Cairns, the director of the North Carolina Jaycee Burn Center.

Dr. Cairns has seen many severe fireworks-related burns in adults and young children. According to Dr. Cairns, there are about 10,000 fireworks related injuries every year in the United States, with about 200 per year in North Carolina.

"Of those 200, about 10 percent of those involve the eyes," he said. "The real devastation is when it involves children -- and it usually involves sparklers."

Dr. Cairns says many people think sparklers are safe for children.

"They burn at 800 to 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit, and children can unfortunately get poked in the eye, burned on the hand or their clothes catch fire," he said.

Many fireworks accidents cause small burns, and Dr. Cairns says they can be treated at home.

"You can wash off the area with cool water -- not ice -- and perhaps put a triple antibiotic ointment on," said Dr. Cairns.

For larger injuries on any part of the body, especially those involving the eyes, Dr. Cairns says don't hesitate to call for emergency medical care

People who suffer eye injuries should call 911 right away and make sure not to rub their eyes or try to remove anything, as there are sophisticated emergency procedures that could help reduce your risk of losing vision.