Drunk carpenter’s hand split in TWO after lit firework exploded while he was holding it as doctors warn he may never be able to carve wood again
- WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT
- Patient, 30, had his right hand sewn back together after blast four months ago
- Explosion tore hand in half, degloved his middle finger and broke other fingers
- Doctors fear man, thought to be British, will never be able to take up craft again
A drunk carpenter’s hand was ripped in half after a lit firework exploded before he could toss it at a party.
The 30-year-old, who is thought to be British, had to have his right hand sewn back together and was left with four fingers following the horrendous accident.
Doctors fear he may never be able to carve wood again. He still struggles to flex his fingers to this day, four months after the blast.
They hope the anonymous case will serve as a stark reminder about the dangers of handling fireworks ahead of Guy Fawkes Night in the UK on November 5.
A 30-year-old man’s hand was split in two after a lit firework exploded before he could throw it at a party
The unidentified patient was rushed to A&E with his hand severed in two and a ‘degloved’ middle finger, meaning the skin had been completely torn off
The patient was rushed to A&E with his hand severed in two and a ‘degloved’ middle finger, meaning the skin had been completely torn off.
His ring and little finger were broken and his index finger had been ripped out of its socket during the blast.
The huge gash had become infected by the time he made it to hospital, doctors revealed in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) Case Reports.
Medics managed to salvage the patient’s hand using surgical wires to hold the bones in place and sewing his wounds shut.
But they were not able to save his middle finger and were forced to perform an amputation, leaving him with four fingers.
Before being released from hospital he was referred to a physiotherapist who coached him into performing a range of motion exercises.
The carpenter, who is thought to be British, had to have his right hand sewn back together and was left with four fingers following the horrendous accident (shown four months after surgery)
An X-ray following the explosion. The patient’s ring and little finger were broken and his index finger had been ripped out of its socket during the blast
He was discharged but returned four weeks later to have the surgical wires removed.
However, medics from St Mary’s Hospital and the University of Oxford revealed the patient did not attend a number of his hand therapy appointments, which compromised his rehab.
As a result, after three months he was still struggling with stiffness in his hand.
Firework-related hospital admissions have doubled in the last 10 years and are increasing in severity.
In England last year, 4,436 people were rushed to A&E due to firework-related injuries – a figure that has more than doubled from 2,141 in 2009 and 2010.
The number of these injuries soars over October and November during Halloween and Guy Fawkes night.
This worrying increase in injuries has led to the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons to begin lobbying the Government for changes to legislation.
They are calling for mandatory graphic warning images on firework packaging showing the potential injuries caused by misuse.
Sainsbury’s BANS sale of fireworks from all of its 2,300 stores due to fears for welfare of pets and the elderly
Sainsbury’s is to stop selling fireworks following widespread concern for pets and the elderly.
The supermarket says it will carry no fireworks in any of its 2,300 branches this year.
And the move has been welcomed by shoppers and charities who say the bangers are outdated.
It is against the law to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am except on special occasions including Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve.
But some have called for a total ban because the loud bangs and flashing lights can be distressing for animals and older people and they are often linked to anti-social behaviour.
Typically supermarkets and other general retail outlets sell fireworks in the October to November period and for New Year, but do not sell at the other periods in most areas.
Sainsbury’s is understood to be the first major retailer to carry a year-round ban.
Using or buying fireworks illegally can result in a £5,000 fine or imprisonment for up to six months.
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