As the Fourth of July approaches, Dr. Neal Shipley, medical director of Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, shares his advice for letting freedom ring safely this year.
Dr. Shipley treats many ailments commonly seen on the Fourth of July, including firework-related burns, sunburns, dehydration and food poisoning.
More than 9,000 fireworks-related injuries occurred in 2023, according to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC). Sixty-six percent of those injuries occurred near the Fourth of July, between June 17 and July 17.
Fourth of July revelers can help avoid ailments and injuries by keeping Dr. Shipley’s expert tips in mind:
1. Treat burns with lukewarm water. If you do get burned by a firework or anything else, run a burned area under lukewarm water for 10 to 15 minutes, then check for burn size and color.
Do not use icy cold water, as it can cause more damage. Seek medical care for burns larger than 1-2 inches.
2. Fight heat-related illness. Hot temperatures are forecast for the Fourth of July. Fight heat stroke-related illness by drinking enough water at holiday celebrations. Staying in the shade and carrying a personal fan can keep you comfortable, particularly in the afternoon heat.
Excessive thirst and dry mouth are indicators you need to get out of the heat. Seek medical attention if your body temperature is more than 100.4 degrees or you are flushed, dizzy, nauseous or have muscle cramps.
3. Staying cool with no A/C. If you get overheated and don’t have access to air conditioning, freeze a washcloth and use it as a cold compress. Put ice packs between your sheets an hour before you go to bed to cool it down.
4. Consciously hydrate and avoid alcohol. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends adults drink 11-15 eight-ounce cups of water per day. The American Academy of Pediatrics also has hydration recommendations for children in every age group.
Bring plenty of water to your holiday celebrations and ensure the entire family is drinking
enough to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol as it can have a dehydrating effect on the body,
especially when consumed in large quantities.
5. Protect yourself from the sun. One bad sunburn as a child or adolescent can increase the risk of melanoma for that child later in life. But protecting your skin from the sun is crucial at any age. Apply a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every two hours, especially during peak sun exposure times. Don't forget to reapply after swimming or sweating and consider additional protective measures, such as wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing.
6. Stay away from sparklers! Less than 1% of firework injuries happen at professionally staged firework displays. The American College of Emergency Medicine (ACEP) advises to only purchase fireworks, sparklers, or other flammable items from legal sellers. Never attempt to modify them in any way. Read and follow all safety instructions. Always keep a bucket of water, hose, or fire extinguisher nearby and keep flammable items away from children. That includes sparklers, which may seem harmless but can burn hot enough to melt metal. In fact, sparklers account for one in four firework-related emergency visits, according to the National Fire Protection Association. It is always safest to skip dangerous home firework displays and opt for your town’s celebration in the sky.
7. Avoid food poisoning. Nearly 48 million food poisoning cases are reported each year, caused by bacteria present in spoiled food. Since food spoils when served at the wrong temperature, make sure that picnic potato salad is on ice. Perishable food should only be out for two hours at room temperature and for one hour if you’re outdoors and the temperature is over 90 degrees. Food that is left out for longer should be discarded immediately.
8. Prioritize grill safety. Outdoor grilling is another popular activity that can be dangerous when safety is not a priority. In 2022, there were 5,400 injuries associated with grills treated in the emergency department, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to the ACEP, you can decrease the chance of burns, fires and other grill-related emergencies by checking to make sure the grill works as intended. Never use a charcoal or propane grill indoors, in a garage or on any flammable surface. Never leave a grill unattended. Use a grill brush that does not have wire bristles to prevent loose strands from getting into the food. Keep children and pets away from the grilling area. When finished, let the coals completely cool before properly disposing. And always remember to keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
Dr. Neal Shipley is medical director of Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care
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