July 4th on ‘The Pitt’: Why is it one of the deadliest days?

HBO’s medical drama “The Pitt” is back for its second season, and this time, the focus is on the hectic and dangerous day of July Fourth. The show, which has been praised for its authentic portrayal of health care work, chose to set its entire second season on this specific day for a reason.

Why pick July Fourth, you might wonder? Well, according to Leah Prasse, an experienced nurse and visiting assistant clinical professor at Northeastern University, the Fourth of July is one of the riskiest days in the U.S. when it comes to injuries and visits to the emergency room. The mix of alcohol and fireworks tends to lead to many disasters each year.

Holidays, in general, are busy times at emergency rooms, but July 4th takes the cake. In fact, more than 45,000 people visit ERs in the U.S. on July 4 and 5, marking the highest daily numbers of the entire year. The biggest culprit behind these visits? Fireworks, of course. Over half of all fireworks-related injuries occur during the first eight days of July.

While most fireworks injuries are minor, involving burns, bruises, or cuts, some cases are more serious. Nearly 4% of fireworks-related injuries on July Fourth result in amputations, and even eyeball injuries are not uncommon, according to the Pew Research Center.

On top of fireworks, heavy drinking on Independence Day also contributes significantly to the day’s dangers. Alcohol-fueled celebrations often lead to a rise in car accidents. Over the Fourth of July weekend from 2019 to 2023, thousands of people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes, many of which involved drunk driving.

But it’s not just fireworks and alcohol that make July Fourth hazardous. According to the Mass Killing Database, this day is also considered one of the most violent days of the year, with unfortunate incidents of mass shootings too.

For hospitals, especially smaller ones, the Fourth of July presents immense challenges. What might seem like a regular day can quickly turn into a mass emergency due to limited resources.

“The Pitt” has been a massive success for Warner Bros. Discovery and HBO Max, with millions of viewers tuning in for each episode. This show not only entertains but also sheds light on the real dangers surrounding July Fourth. Health care workers appreciate its realistic portrayal of their work and hope that it educates viewers about the risks associated with this holiday.

So, if you’re planning to celebrate July Fourth with fireworks and drinks, maybe it’s worth keeping in mind some important safety tips. Let’s make sure our holiday festivities remain fun and enjoyable without any unfortunate incidents. Stay safe this Independence Day!