Trick or Treat: paediatric plastic surgery at Halloween

Abstract

Aims
The aim of this study was to describe a snapshot experience of firework-related injuries during a single Halloween at the national paediatric burns unit.

Methods
This was a retrospective review of paediatric patients referred to the plastic surgery service in the week of Halloween 2024. Baseline characteristics in addition to date of injury, mechanism of injury, intervention, and patient outcomes were collected. Data was collected using theatre logbooks, hospital in-patient enquiry, and plastic surgery dressing clinic logbooks.

Results
In total, 10 referrals were made to the service for management of firework-related injuries over the 7-day period. All patients referred were male, with an average age of 12.1 years. Three patients required admission; two were taken to theatre for management of hand fractures under general anaesthetic, with one patient also sustaining an injury to his eye, resulting in permanent loss of vision. One patient underwent exploration of his hand under a local anaesthetic. Average length of stay for the 3 patients who required admission was 2.6 days.

Discussion
In addition to being prepared to manage a surge in these injuries at Halloween, healthcare professionals have a role in raising public awareness in an effort to mitigate these potentially devastating injuries.