Macon Times

Atrium Health Navicent issued the following announcement on Dec. 30. 

When making plans to ring in the new year, Atrium Health Navicent physicians urge the community to also take precautions to ensure celebrations are safe.

In 2020, fireworks were involved in an estimated 15,600 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments, and resulted in 18 deaths, according to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Young adults, aged 20 to 24, were the most likely to be treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, and teens aged 15 to 19 were the second most likely. The most common injuries included burns to the hands, fingers, arms, and legs.

Fireworks -- including sparklers and flares -- can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing.

Emergency and trauma physicians at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center, a nationally verified Level I Trauma Center, encourage celebrants to protect themselves and their children from fireworks injuries by following these tips:

· Handle and use fireworks in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and all warning labels.

· Light fireworks on smooth, flat surfaces and aim them away from buildings, dry leaves, flammable materials, and spectators.

· Do not try to relight fireworks that malfunction.

· Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.

· Light fireworks one at a time, then quickly move back.

· Do not shoot fireworks from metal or glass containers.

· Keep a phone and a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher handy.

· Familiarize yourself with first aid for burns.

· Adults should actively supervise all children when they are near fireworks.

Physicians also urge revelers to avoid firing guns in celebration of the holiday. Bullets returning to the ground due to celebratory gunfire can cause serious injury or even death for bystanders in the area.

“Teammates staffing our emergency center typically see an increase in fireworks-related injuries on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Taking a few easy safety precautions – and not participating in celebratory gunfire – can help ensure you’re able to enjoy the holiday safely,” said Dr. John Wood, Medical Director of the Emergency Center at Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center.

Atrium Health Navicent encourages the community to also follow COVID-safe practices when celebrating. For tips and advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19 during holiday celebrations, visit www.navicenthealth.org/community/single_news/atrium-health-navicent-physicians-offer-tips-for-staying-covid-safe-this-holiday-season.

If an accident or injury occurs, seek appropriate medical treatment. For emergency situations, call 911 or seek care at the nearest emergency center. Atrium Health Navicent offers emergency care at the following locations:

· Atrium Health Navicent The Medical Center (777 Hemlock St., Macon)

· Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olson Children's Hospital (888 Pine St., Macon)

· Atrium Health Navicent Peach (1960 Hwy 247 Connector, Byron)

· Atrium Health Navicent Baldwin (821 North Cobb St., Milledgeville)

· Monroe County Hospital, an Atrium Health Navicent Partner (88 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Forsyth)

· Putnam General Hospital, an Atrium Health Navicent Partner (101 Greensboro Road, Eatonton)

For non-life-threatening injuries, visit your nearest urgent care provider. Atrium Health Navicent provides urgent care at three Macon locations.

· Atrium Health Navicent Urgent Care North (3400 Riverside Drive, Macon)

· Atrium Health Navicent Urgent Care East (1339 Gray Highway, Macon)

· Atrium Health Navicent Urgent Care Northwest (5925 Zebulon Road, Macon)

Original source can be found here.