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Dozens Of South Floridians Injured By Fireworks Last Year

Moffat Mugwe

Health officials are asking soon-to-be revelers to remember that fireworks are much safer from a distance.

According to statistics compiled by the Florida Department of Health, 56 South Floridians visited the emergency room because of firework accidents last year. Sixteen of those individuals had injuries that were bad enough to require an overnight stay.

The most common injuries were severe burns, though more serious accidents can happen.

“I have people that almost lost their hands from a firework," says Dr. Carlos Medina, a plastic surgeon who oversees the burn center at Kendall Regional Medical Center. "For example an M-50 exploded in their hand and they almost lose their entire hand."

Medina also says that with the Fourth of July, come barbecue and boat related accidents as well. Alcohol is a common factor in these accidents.

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