As families gather to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, cookouts and lake days, local hospitals are bracing for a spike in burn injuries.
The Fourth of July is one of the busiest times of year for burn units like the Alexander Burn Center at Hillcrest Medical Center. Medical staff there are urging residents to take safety precautions as they enjoy the festivities.
Why burn centers stay busy in July
Jessica Pilgrim, a registered nurse at the Alexander Burn Center, said the spike in injuries is no surprise.
“Naturally with fireworks, everybody’s getting out and setting off fireworks,” Pilgrim said. “It’s important to remember that they’re playing with fire. So typically fire wins, but we also get an increase in calls from grilling accidents.”…