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Firework Injuries
During the firework 'season' an investigation was carried out
with the co-operation of a number of general practitioners and two
local hospitals, and it was ascertained that 24 casualties occurred
due to fireworks. The table below shows the numbers of patients
treated by general practitioners and in hospital and the risk of
injury from fireworks according to age group.
Age Treated Treated at
group by G.P.s Hospital Risk
4 & under — 1 1:5,000
5-9 1 9 1:400
10—20 8 5 1:500
Although the numbers are small, the seriousness of this hazard
is shown by the fact that over 20% had injuries involving the region
of the eye, one of these cases being of such severity as to require
transfer to a specialist eye hospital. In addition, one unfortunate
victim required a circumcision to repair the damage inflicted when a
firework exploded in his pocket.
Influenza Complications
Reports appeared in medical journals concerning complications
ensuing after the 1957/58 influenza epidemic, and it was considered
to be worth investigating whether or not this virus infection had any
effect on pregnancy or the resulting offspring. Careful examination
of the numbers of stillborn children and congenital abnormalities,
in conjunction with other relevant factors, failed to reveal any undue
increase in complications which could be related to the influenza
virus. This work was greatly facilitated by close collaboration with
many other South London Medical Officers of Health.