Re: “Dozens treated for fireworks injuries in Seattle; at least 1 patient loses hand” (July 8, Northwest):
My father was an eye surgeon at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore starting in the late 1950s, and my uncle was a hand surgeon at a different Baltimore hospital (Union Memorial). Their careers spanned decades, and they both lamented the dangers of fireworks and the terrible damage fireworks could do to hands and eyes. They both said that July 4th and 5th were always the worst days of the year for them.
In the mid-1960s, they went together to testify at the Maryland State Legislature, along with other doctors, for stricter regulation and increased safety measures for the fireworks industry. Their efforts were successful!
And though there were still some fireworks injuries every year from illegal fireworks (because those can always be found if someone is determined), I like to think of all the tragedy they prevented through their efforts and the efforts of their colleagues to save the vision and the 10-fingered hands of everyone celebrating what should be a happy and fun holiday.
Edith Wolff, Seattle
