Record number of patients treated at UPMC Mercy Burn Center for fireworks injuries

PITTSBURGH — A record number of patients were treated at the UPMC Mercy Burn Center for fireworks injuries.

The hospital said more than 20 people were treated for serious injuries related to fireworks over the Fourth of July weekend, including several children.

In 2019, the burn center treated six fireworks related injuries during the holiday weekend.

“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,” said Jenny Ziembicki, M.D., medical director at UPMC Mercy Burn Center. “It is important to understand that even legal fireworks should only be handled by those properly trained in their use.”

The UPMC Mercy emergency department also treated multiple outpatient hand injuries, mostly related to reloadable mortars and fire pits.

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