Stay safe when using fireworks this New Year’s Eve
As the clock strikes midnight to bring in the New Year, more people now celebrate with fireworks, but as we prepare to mark the beginning of 2024, our specialist Burns team is asking everyone to stay safe.
Many families and friends will gather to start the year with a bang, but it's important to remain sensible.
We’re joining others, including West Midland’s Fire Service, to urge people to think twice about having displays and, if you choose to go ahead; plan carefully and follow these safety tips below. Burn injuries can have severe and potentially life-changing consequences. Should the worst happen prompt action can make a huge difference.
- Buy suitable and legal fireworks and make sure you have enough outdoor space to use them safely in line with the instructions that come with them.
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
- Direct rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
- Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
- Only light one firework at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
Should the worst happen and an injury occurs, remember:
The 3Cs: Cool, Call and Cover If you or your child has a burn injury which is to follow the Burn’s First Aid protocol
- Cool the burn with cool running tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery.
- Call for help - this may be emergency services, 111 or your local GP for advice.
- Cover the burn with cling film or a sterile non-fluffy dressing or cloth.
Stop, Drop and Roll
Teach your child to ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’ in the event of their clothing catching fire:
- Stop where you are.
- Drop to the ground and cover your eyes and mouth with your hands.
- Roll over and over and back and forth until the flames are out. Remember to tell your child to get help from a grown-up who will cool the burn and get medical help.