EMS warn Minnesotans about firework injuries

[KSTP-TV News, July 04, 2021] The state fire marshal said firework-related injuries send on average of 80 people to the hospital in Minnesota each year, and even more injuries go unreported.

If it flies or explodes, it's illegal in Minnesota, but even something as simple as a sparkler makes up 30% of injuries in the state. 

"They get anywhere between 1,000 and 1,600 degrees, which is hot enough to melt metal," said Nathan Layne, operations supervisor for Allina Health. "A lot of times it’s third-degree burns."

Layne often spends his holiday weekend responding to injuries, and he said around 45% involve children. 

Posted on July 04, 2021 in emergency care, Allina Health EMS