W. Gifford-Jones (Dr. Ken Walker) has been a staple in newspapers across Canada for decades, sharing his wisdom and knowledge in the health and medical fields. Gifford-Jones passed away on July 1 at the age of 101.-PHOTO COURTESY DIANA GIFFORD-JONES
This was the last column received before Dr. Gifford-Jones’ passing. It came on Tuesday, July 1, the day he died.
We are not setting out to be killjoys. In fact, living it up with special celebrations is a good thing for most people. But every year, we witness foolish people setting off fireworks, ignorant of or uncaring about potential injuries. The numbers may fluctuate, the types of fireworks may evolve, and safety messaging may get louder, but sadly, the dangers persist. Every year, fireworks cause life-changing injuries, tragic accidents, and unnecessary suffering.
The truth is, fireworks are not harmless fun. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 10,200 fireworks-related injuries were treated in emergency rooms in 2022 alone. Nearly all of these occurred in the first week of July when amateurs are trying to have fun, or when kids are prone to making terrible mistakes.
Of these injuries, nearly 15% involved the eyes, and over one-third were burns, mostly to the hands and face. The most injured age group? Teen boys between 15 and 19 years old. No surprise there.
What’s more, data shows that people in lower-income neighbourhoods have more than twice the likelihood of getting injured by fireworks than residents of high-income communities. Regardless of where it happens though, the vast majority of injuries are preventable, and most victims are bystanders.
The toll isn’t limited to humans. Recent studies are giving voice to pets who suffer in silence – or more accurately, in terror. According to research published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science in 2021, dogs exposed to fireworks often suffer from anxiety, destructive behaviour, and long-term stress responses. One survey found that over 60% of dogs showed severe signs of distress during fireworks displays.
It’s not just pets. A 2020 study out of the Netherlands revealed that fireworks cause abrupt changes in bird behaviour, with flocks fleeing in the middle of the night, flying at unusually high altitudes and burning through precious energy reserves. What’s a moment of fun for people can be a life-threatening ordeal for wildlife.
Many argue that if used properly, fireworks are safe. But how many backyard pyrotechnicians have proper safety protocols in place? Alcohol and explosives do not mix, yet somehow, every July 1st and July 4th, we see plenty of people holding beer in one hand and a lighter in the other. If you are going to use alcohol or drugs, stay away from fireworks.
Organized and sanctioned shows can go wrong too. We remember a public occasion when an improperly secured fireworks container tipped over, sending a series of burning projectiles directly at us and other families. Miraculously, there were no injuries. In recent years, there have been harrowing incidents that made headlines. In 2023, an innocent 11-year-old in Michigan lost three fingers lighting a firework in her bathroom. The stick exploded with the force of dynamite in her hand.
Even sparklers, those seemingly innocent favourites of toddlers everywhere, burn at around 1,800°F. That a temperature hot enough to melt gold! Every year, emergency rooms see cases of searing burns from these so-called “safe” fireworks. One quick swipe across the face or hand is all it takes for a lifelong scar.
So, what’s the takeaway? It’s simple. Fireworks are explosives, not toys. Leave them to the pros. If you really want to light something up this summer, try a barbecue, invite your friends, and keep the flames on a slow, safe broil. Teach young children, who have not lost their compassion, about the impact of fireworks on animals. And don’t forget the magic of watching fireflies on a summer’s night – far more beautiful than any noisy flash of fire in the sky.
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W. Gifford-Jones, MD
(Dr. Ken Walker)
February 28, 1924 – July 1, 2025
It is with a heavy heart that I write to let you know that my father passed away naturally late last evening as fireworks were lighting up the Toronto harbour.
My mother, brothers, and all the members of our family knew he would not live on forever. Yet, even at 101 years of age, his vitality suggested otherwise!
How lucky we are to have had him as the central figure in our family. We hope you feel the same lasting connection, as a great many of you have had him in your lives on a weekly basis for years and years.
We have posted a few brief words of tribute to him on our website. Please visit http://www.docgiff.com and scroll through the banners at the top of the page. If you would like to share a remembrance, I’ll post as many of them as I can.
For his readers, my father has given me the words he would like to share with you, to be published soon in his column.
For now, we invite you to raise a glass to him. We imagine he is pouring himself a rum and coke, sharing many laughs with old friends, and wishing the rest of us Godspeed in solving the world’s problems.
Diana
The News would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the Gifford-Jones family, and express our heartfelt gratitude for the wisdom and knowledge shared on a weekly basis over so many years in the pages of our newspaper. We know many members of the Medicine Hat community have benefitted from the sound advice offered within this column, and on behalf of our staff and readers, we would just like to say thank you, and rest in the peace you most deserve. The News would also like to express our pleasure in knowing Diana will keep the legacy of Common Sense Health alive, and we know she will do an outstanding job moving forward.
