PTSD and Consumer Fireworks

      Our on-line petition in support of a ban of consumer fireworks in Bellingham has received numerous comments, including those relating to how people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be effected by consumer fireworks.  Two such comments are:

• On 6/10/10, Evan Knappenberger, commented:

     "I am an Iraq War veteran and I swear that every year on fourth of July I feel the need to grab a flak vest and a gun. I have to take tranquilizers for a few days. It's obscene. I wish that everyone in this godforsaken country would actually get mortared a few times every year, just so they would know what they are playing around with."

• On 6/10/10, a US Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, commented: 

     "I am sick and tired of the WAR ZONE that starts up as soon as the fireworks stands open and continue day and night until well after the 4th. I have PTSD and have a strong startle response to any sudden, loud noise. Guess what sounds like gunfire and artillery?"


     While researching the relationship between PTSD and consumer fireworks, the following on-line information sources have been discovered.  Your review of each is encouraged:


http://www.drlarrylachman.com/library/fireworks-and-ptsd.php


http://vets.yuku.com/topic/31424/t/fireworks.html


http://blog.mlive.com/grpress/2008/07/fireworks_can_upset_veterans_s.html