Fireworks-related Injuries during New Year celebrations in Kosovo: a comparison of the years 2008 and 2009

Abstract

Abstract Background: Fireworks related injuries in children occur in Kosovo particularly during New Year celebrations.

Aim: To report the pattern of fireworks- related injuries in children up to 16 years of age treated at the Emergency Center and Plastic Surgery, University Clinical Centre of Kosovo during the 2008 and 2009 New Year celebrations.

Methods: Retrospective review of hospital records

Results: During the New Year celebrations in 2008, a total of 65 cases were admitted, 32 (49.2%) of who were children injured by fireworks. The ages of the children ranged from 5 to 16 years with a mean of 10.5years. The modal age affected was the 10 – 14 year-old group (53.6%). Boys constituted 93.8% of patients and girls 6.3%. During the 2009 New Year celebration, 17 cases were admitted with fireworks injuries, 12 (70.58%) of who were children ranging in age from 8 to 15 years (mean 11.5 years) with a modal age group of 10 – 14 years (66.7%). Boys accounted for 88.3% and girls for 16.7% of patients.

Conclusions: The frequency of fireworks injuries reduced appreciably after introduction of laws restricting sales of fireworks devices and banning their use by children.

Recommendations: It is recommended that parents play a greater role in controlling the activities of their children during festivities. The government and police should also ensure compliance with the law on the use of fireworks during the holidays.

Keywords: fireworks injury, epidemiology, wounds, prevention.