Fireworks survivor and his mom advocate safety first

Last July, 10-year-old Edther Ocampo and his older brother, Dominic, were walking to their grandmother’s San Juan Capistrano home when they found a curious object amid fireworks debris on the ground. Thinking it was a smoke bomb, they took it to her house and lit it.

The result was every parent’s nightmare: The supposed smoke bomb was an unexploded firework that blew up in Edther’s hands, taking three fingers and part of a fourth on his left hand. He was rushed to UCI Health ― Orange, formerly known as UCI Medical Center, Orange County’s only Level I trauma center, where he would undergo several hand surgeries.

The blast also injured his stomach, small bowel and colon, requiring several more surgeries to fully repair. In addition, the boy had burst eardrums, burns to his hair and eyebrows, and a nearly two-inch cut on the left side of his face.

Dominic, who was standing next to Edther when the firework exploded, was treated for two lacerations of about four inches in length on his side, multiple scrapes and a large gash on his elbow that required stitches.

Edther and Dominic’s care team included trauma surgeons Dr. Michael E. Lekawa and Dr. Alliya S. Qazi, along with orthopedic hand surgeon Dr. David J. Wright and Reina Kim, an acute care nurse practitioner, among many other trauma specialists.

Dominic was discharged within several days of the explosion, but Edther remained hospitalized several more weeks for further treatment and to recover from his multiple surgeries.

Emphasizing fireworks safety

With her sons’ harrowing experience still fresh in mind, Cynthia Garcia urges parents to teach their children about the dangers of fireworks, including sparklers, as early as age 4 or 5.

“Showing kids photos or pictures of what fireworks and sparklers can look like helps them understand how to recognize the devices and reinforces the dangers in picking them up,” Garcia says.

It’s also important that children learn to alert an adult if they come across any kind of firework to ensure that it is disposed of safely.

All fireworks should be left to the professionals and families should watch from a safe distance, Garcia now tells her children. She also advises parents to talk with their kids before attending fireworks displays to make sure they are comfortable. Bringing along headphones to blunt loud noises can help alleviate anxiety or fear.

Exceptional care

Garcia couldn't say enough about the wonderful care Edther received at UCI Health ― Orange during a recent return visit to meet with the care team.

“The doctors and nurses were very compassionate and understanding throughout our stay,” she says. “I appreciated how they spoke to Edther directly about his treatment, which made him feel like a person and not just another patient.”

She recalls thoughtful nurses who regularly brought Edther games and snacks. They also talked with him about his passion for soccer as a way to keep him motivated and engaged in his recovery.

A return to soccer

In January 2025, Edther returned to the soccer field to play competitively for the first time since his accident. Until then, he’d only joined his team for practices and scrimmages, as he gained confidence and learned to adapt to playing with his injured left hand.

Soccer gave Edther something to look forward to while he recovered from his injuries, says his mother, who is grateful for the support of the large south Orange County soccer community.

The Ocampo-Garcia family has no plans to watch fireworks this July 4, or throughout the summer, for that matter. Instead, Edther plans to play soccer as much as possible, which always brings a big smile to his face.

Learn more about UCI Health trauma services ›

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