New law requires the reporting of all fireworks injuries

As the July 4th holiday approaches, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) reminds physicians that all fireworks-related injuries must be reported as the result of a new state law.

The statute, which went into effect March 27, is similar to an earlier reporting requirement. Data collected in 2003 revealed 261 Hoosiers were hurt by fireworks and 233 were reported injured in 2004 – many of them children.

“The youngest child reported injured at that time was six weeks old,” explained Charlene Graves, M.D., medical director for the ISDH. “Collecting data on fireworks injuries will help us create effective prevention programs.”

Under the new law, fireworks injury reports are due five business days from the time of treatment.

The reporting form asks for:

• Name, address and age of the injured person
• Type and circumstances of injury
• Type of fireworks or pyrotechnic causing the injury
• Whether alcohol consumption was involved

By law, reports will be confidential because they are being compiled for epidemiological purposes. Legislatively mandated reporting of information for public health surveillance also is exempt from HIPAA regulations.

The Fireworks Injury Reporting Form can be completed electronically and submitted online or printed, completed and faxed to the ISDH. Get the form or call Mary Ann Zupan at the ISDH at (317) 233-7415.