More than 20 treated by UPMC burn center for fireworks injuries over holiday
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More than 20 people were treated at UPMC Mercy Burn Center for serious fireworks injuries during the Fourth of July weekend, officials said. Several patients were children.
This year marked the highest number of Independence Day weekend injuries recorded at the UPMC Mercy Burn Center, the health system said. In 2019, there were six.
“Some of the injuries are very serious. Several patients were admitted and will need ongoing care and therapy. We urge people to not engage in personal fireworks use to avoid any of these devastating traumas,” Dr. Jenny Ziembicki, medical director at UPMC Mercy Burn Center, said. “It is important to understand that even legal fireworks should only be handled by those properly trained in their use.”
UPMC Mercy emergency department also treated multiple outpatient injuries of varying degrees, UPMC officials said. These injuries were most commonly the result of reloadable mortars and fire pits.