Burns team experts support calls to take extra precautions with fireworks at home | News

Burns team experts support calls to take extra precautions with fireworks at home

Dark night sky lit up by fireworks

Bonfire Night (5 November) is tonight and our specialist Burns team is backing the call to families warning of the dangers of holding firework displays. 

Government restrictions on social gatherings because of the pandemic mean that many public displays have been cancelled, prompting organisations, including West Midlands Fire Service and the National fire Chief’s Council to think twice about having firework displays at home.   

Historically, the number of incidents fire crews attend with related incidents surge at this time of year and, sadly, so do the number of children and young people requiring care after suffering injuries. 

The distance required between spectators and fireworks will range from five to 25 metres - almost the length of three fire engines - so the garden will need to be longer than the distance shown on the firework. 
 
Ensure that fireworks are bought from a licensed supplier or authorised retailer, who can also provide appropriate advice. Fireworks must not be bought or used by anyone under 18 and should carry the CE safety mark.  
 
If you do decide to go ahead with having fireworks at home remember: 

  • Displays must finish before 11pm 

  • Fireworks should only be bought if they carry the CE mark 

  • Keep them in a closed box and use one at a time 

  • Instructions on each firework must be read and followed and a torch used as required 

  • Light fireworks at arm's length with a taper and keep them away from naked flames, including cigarettes  

  • No-one should return to a firework once it has been lit 

  • Fireworks should never be kept in pockets or thrown 

  • Direct fireworks well away from spectators   

  • Paraffin or petrol should never be used on a bonfire 

  • Ensure the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.  

 

Restrictions on social gatherings - both nationally and locally – are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to ease pressures on the NHS. 
 
Should the worst happen prompt action can help reduce potentially life changing injuries. If clothing catches fire remember to Stop where you are, Drop to the ground and cover your eyes and mouth with your hands and Roll over and over and back and forth until the flames are out.  

If you or your child has a burn injury which is to follow the Burn’s First Aid protocol; Cool, Call and Cover. The first step of first aid is to make sure you cool the burn with cool running tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery. The second step is call for help, this may be emergency services, 111 or your local GP for advice. The last step is cover; ensure you cover the burn with cling film or a sterile non-fluffy dressing or cloth.

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