Sergeant loses digits during firework mishap

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Colleen Wronek
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
"It can never happen to me, I'm a pretty safe guy."

But it did happen to Tech. Sgt. Charles Thomas, 31st Maintenance Squadron, at 12:38 a.m. Jan. 1.

And it could happen to you.

Sergeant Thomas was ringing in the New Year with fireworks. He lit a mortar ball and placed it in the mortar tube, but the tube tilted towards his friends and family.
Out of instinct, he went to adjust the tube and as he put his hand around it, the tube exploded.

"I remember the exact time because that was when we called the ambulance," the metals technology craftsman said. "I heard a boom, felt a puff of air on my hand, and then my hand went numb… I didn't know what happened.

"I am glad that Staff Sgt. Melissa Disbrow and Senior Master Sgt. Tim Pratt were paying attention [during self aid and buddy care]," he said. "They applied self-aid and buddy care, like we're taught in class."

Sergeant Disbrow, 31st MXS, and Sergeant Pratt, 724th Air Mobility Squadron, held Sergeant Thomas's pressure points and Master Sgt. Jose Barazza, 31st MXS acting first sergeant, drove him to the hospital.

"After my incident, I spent 35 long days in the hospital with more than 100 stitches and staples," Sergeant Thomas said.

Civilian fireworks have a common manufacture problem - a short fuse, said Capt. Josh Demotts, 31st Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordinance Disposal flight commander. Fireworks that don't go off can be extremely dangerous, he added.

"There is no absolute safe way to dispose of a dud, but the best way is to soak it in water," Captain Demotts said. "Whatever you do, don't try to relight it. It could still explode." Captain Demotts added it's against regulations for EOD to dispose of fireworks.

Sergeant Thomas didn't light a large firework, but it still took off three fingers on his left hand. He is right-handed and doctors are working on reconstructing his left thumb.

"I have to re-learn how to tie my shoes, do my daughters hair and play catch with my son. It's a struggle but, we have to take baby steps before we can walk," he said.
It is legal for Italians to sell fireworks as long as they are licensed, but when someone gets hurt, it becomes a serious offense."

If someone gets hurt by not handling fireworks correctly or by using them in negligent or dangerous manner, they can be subject to penalties under Italian law," said Capt. Daniel White, 31st Fighter Wing assistant judge advocate. "I know teenagers in the states that find it amusing to shoot roman candles at each other. That is not only dangerous and illegal in Italy, it can also be subject to punishment under the UCMJ."

Sergeant Thomas wasn't aiming fireworks toward anyone, but he almost lost his career or worse.

"I was on track with my career and things were falling into place, until New Year's morning," he said. "It only took a split second to jeopardize my 17-year career, let alone my life. I will prove to the squadron and the Air Force that I still and will be a productive member of the military."

Sergeant Thomas would like to thank those who helped save his life. "[They] allowed me to be here today to take care of my wife, Sandra, son, Nick and my daughter, Alexis."

His advice to potential firework users is be careful. "I used to think I was pretty safe, this stuff can't happen to me," he said. "This could have been a whole lot worse."