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Three Part Question

In [children using sparklers] does [inserting the sparkler into a carrot] [reduce the risk of injuries]

Clinical Scenario

You are at a fireworks party with your young family. You wonder whether inserting a sparkler into a carrot may be safer and reduce the risk of injury.

Search Strategy

Embase 1974 to 2024 November 13
HMIC Health Management Information Consortium 1979 to September 2024
Ovid MEDLINE(R) ALL 1946 to November 13, 2024
1. sparklers.mp. [mp=ti, ab, hw, tn, ot, dm, mf, dv, kf, fx, dq, bt, nm, ox, px, rx, an, ui, sy, ux, mx]
58

2. fireworks.mp. [mp=ti, ab, hw, tn, ot, dm, mf, dv, kf, fx, dq, bt, nm, ox, px, rx, an, ui, sy, ux, mx]
1830

3. carrots.mp. [mp=ti, ab, hw, tn, ot, dm, mf, dv, kf, fx, dq, bt, nm, ox, px, rx, an, ui, sy, ux, mx]
4691

4. vegetables.mp. [mp=ti, ab, hw, tn, ot, dm, mf, dv, kf, fx, dq, bt, nm, ox, px, rx, an, ui, sy, ux, mx]
127619

5. 1 or 2
1845

6. 3 or 4
130591

7. 5 and 6
4

Search Outcome

No relevant studies

Comment(s)

Although some fire brigades recommend their use and the theoretical advantage of children's hands holding a bigger object and therefore being further away from the hot sparkler currently there is no scientific evidence to support this intervention or the use of any other vegetable.

Clinical Bottom Line

There are theoretical reasons why this may be beneficial but currently no evidence to support it's use. Future prospective studies could establish the evidence base for it's use.