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Study shows increasing numbers of eye injuries caused by fireworks / Experts at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg warn of avoidable accidents

Welcoming in the New Year with rockets is a must for many people. However, the careless use of firecrackers and fireworks leads to serious injuries to eyes, hands and ears every year. A recent study, in which the Medical Center - University of Freiburg was involved, shows an alarming increase in eye injuries in particular after the two-year pandemic break. The experts at the University Medical Center are calling on people to use fireworks responsibly, to strictly avoid illegal products and to observe simple protective measures. In the event of serious injuries, an immediate emergency call or treatment in an emergency room is crucial.

"Eye injuries caused by fireworks are particularly serious, as they often lead to permanent damage," warns Prof. Dr. Thomas Reinhard, Medical Director of the Medical Center - University of Freiburg's Department of Ophthalmology. The study, which analyzed figures from New Year's Eve 2022/23, shows that eye injuries account for a large proportion of the damage caused by fireworks. Children under the age of 12 are particularly frequently affected. Up to 53% of those injured also stated that they were uninvolved bystanders. "It is therefore particularly important to always keep a safe distance from fireworks to avoid injuries from glowing sparks and splinters," says Reinhard. "If an injury occurs, do not attempt to treat the wound yourself under any circumstances, but contact an ophthalmological emergency center immediately. Any delay significantly reduces the chances of recovery."

Long-term consequences of hand injuries

Hand injuries caused by exploding fireworks also pose a considerable danger. " One case in particular sticks in my mind," reports PD Dr. Ferdinand Wagner, Head of the Traumatology Section at the Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "A twelve-year-old boy was brought to the University Emergency Center because he tried to detonate an unexploded bomb that exploded in his hand. The damage was so massive that the index finger eventually had to be amputated at the Department of Plastic Surgery."

"Despite modern plastic surgery, limitations in gripping, holding or touching often remain," says Prof. Dr. Steffen Eisenhardt, Medical Director of the Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. "The best prevention is not to use homemade or manipulated fireworks or even to set them off in the hand. The hand surgery emergency service will of course also be available around the clock during the Christmas period and between the years."

Dangers to hearing

Exploding firecrackers near the ear can cause considerable damage to the inner ear. Acoustic trauma such as tinnitus, dizziness or permanent hearing loss are possible consequences. "This damage can often be avoided if simple protective measures such as keeping a sufficient distance and wearing earplugs are observed," emphasizes Prof. Dr. Andreas Knopf, Medical Director of the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg.

The Eye and ENT Emergency Service and the University Emergency Center at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg are staffed 24 hours a day at the turn of the year. Teams of experienced specialists are available around the clock on New Year's Eve for emergency injuries.

Contact:

Eye emergency practice
in the Eye Center
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Killianstraße 5
Registration main floor
Phone: 0761 270-40010

ENT Outpatient Clinic
in the Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Killianstraße 5
Registration main floor
Phone: 0761 270-42010

University Emergency Center
Medical Center - University of Freiburg
Sir-Hans-A.-Krebs-Straße
Registration first floor
Phone: 0761 270-33333