Sure, we all want to be patriotic and celebrate Fourth of July. But when it comes to fireworks, it's best to leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals.

"In extreme cases, fireworks and firecrackers can explode in someone's hands, which can result in partial or full amputation of their fingers," said Julie Newhouse, BSN, RN, CEN.

"Overall, the areas affected most by fireworks are legs, eyes and hands, so those enjoying Fourth of July fireworks should do so from a safe viewing distance to decrease injury risk."

Newhouse would know. As the Emergency Department Nurse Manager for Health First's Holmes Regional Medical Center, she's seen plenty of celebratory mishaps during her 25-year career.

There are three types of injuries most commonly related to firecrackers and fireworks:

• Burns on the hands, legs and feet, due to the thermal heat of fireworks.
• Cuts and bruises, when viewers get hit with a projectile from the firework. These most typically occur on the extremities and face.
• Eye injuries can also result from operating fireworks and firecrackers. In the case of projectiles hitting the area in and around the eye, viewers can experience burns or even vision loss.

And don't think you're playing it safe if you stick to sparklers, either.

"Sparklers are the most common source of firework-related burns, due to the proximity of the person holding them," Newhouse said.