Ambulance Service Encourages Safety on Bonfire Night

30 October 2009

In the run up to Bonfire Night Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) NHS Trust is urging people to stay safe.
 
Every year YAS deals with a number of patients who have firework and bonfire-related injuries, and this year will be no exception.

Ian Walton, A&E Operations Director at YAS said: “Our ambulance crews will treat a number of patients, children and adults, ranging from those with minor burns to those with more serious, life-threatening injuries. 

“Fireworks used properly are safe and accidents are avoidable. However, they can cause devastating injuries if safety precautions are not followed.

“We recommend people attend one of the professionally-organised public displays. But, if you are planning to host your own event, we ask you exercise caution and make safety a priority to ensure everyone has a good time without getting hurt.”

In the event of an accident with fireworks or fires you should:

• extinguish any flames if the casualty is alight
• use cold water (ideally cold running water) to cool the burnt area and reduce pain
• not remove burnt clothing which has stuck to the skin
• not use any creams, oils etc
• seek urgent medical help, calling 999 if injuries are serious.

For more information on firework safety, please log onto the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) website: