Please take extra care on Bonfire Night
03 November 2021
Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust is reminding everyone to stay safe during Bonfire Night celebrations taking place this week.
Every year the ambulance service is called to patients who are injured by fireworks or bonfire-related incidents.
Dr Steven Dykes, Deputy Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:
“Later this week, and especially over the weekend, we anticipate there being a large number of Bonfire Night events taking place and our staff will be responding to patients with injuries ranging from minor burns to more serious, life-threatening conditions.
“When used properly fireworks are generally safe and accidents are avoidable, but if people ignore safety precautions, then they can cause terrible injuries.
“We want everyone to enjoy this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations, but we would always recommend that people go along to a professionally organised firework display. Safety should be the main priority so that everyone is aware of dangers and takes extra care around fireworks.”
In the event of an accident with fireworks or a bonfire you need to act quickly:
- If the patient or their clothing is alight, extinguish any flames by rolling them on the ground.
- Use cold water (ideally cold running water for 20 minutes) to cool the burned area and reduce pain.
- Do not remove burned clothing which has stuck to the skin.
- Do not use skin creams or oils.
- Seek urgent medical help if injuries are serious by calling 999.
- For minor injuries, visit 111.nhs.uk, call NHS 111 or visit a minor injuries unit/urgent treatment centre.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has also issued advice to ensure Bonfire Night events are safe and enjoyable for everyone:
Produced by: Corporate Communications Department
