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UPMC Mercy Burn Center Stresses Fireworks Safety at News Conference

The Long Road to Recovery from Fireworks Injuries to be Discussed

WHAT:
 
• Informational press conference featuring a panel of UPMC Mercy physicians who will discuss some of the physical and psychological challenges that accompany the catastrophic injuries that can be a result of fireworks use by non-professionals, as well as a former UPMC Mercy Trauma and Burn Center patient who will recount her experience and the journey to recovery
 
• Fireworks danger demonstration by the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County bomb squads during which they will use watermelons to demonstrate the power behind various sizes of fireworks
 
WHO: 
 
• Jenny Ziembicki, M.D., medical director, UPMC Mercy burn services
• Maria Twichell, M.D., director, UPMC Mercy General Rehabilitation Unit
• Guy Stofman, M.D., F.A.C.S., chief, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, UPMC Mercy
• Coleen Gedid, patient who experienced severe injuries from unintentional fireworks use
 
WHEN: 9:30 a.m., Friday, June 29 
 
WHERE: UPMC Mercy, 1400 Locust St., Uptown; press conference—Clark Auditorium, 2nd Floor; demonstration will be held in a lot outside of the hospital immediately following conference.
 
WHY: Each year, multiple patients are admitted to the UPMC Mercy Burn Center with serious injuries resulting in the loss of vision or limbs, specifically fingers and hands, related to fireworks usage. Glow item giveaway: as part of an ongoing effort to discourage the use of fireworks and sparklers, the burn center team will once again provide an alternative. This year, glow bracelets and necklaces will be given to local area EMS agencies for distribution. Community members are encouraged to contact their local EMS department for availability.
 
Note to Media: Media relations team members will meet you in the UPMC Mercy main lobby near the gift shop and escort you to the conference room. Picnic lunch will be served for press conference attendees following the demonstration.

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