Bonfire Night safety advice issued by Welsh Ambulance Service

The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people to take extra care this weekend while Bonfire Night celebrations take place.

Each year the service is called to deal with people suffering injuries in the weeks up to and including November 5th through improper handling of fireworks.

The Trust is asking revellers to keep a sensible head during this year’s celebrations and to avoid taking unnecessary risks.

Richard Lee, the Trust’s Director of Operations, said: “We want everyone to enjoy themselves on Bonfire Night and to have a good time without getting hurt.

“At this time of year we’re often called to help people because they’ve been injured by fireworks, bonfires or sparklers.

“Failing to follow safety advice could have serious consequences for you and those around you, so we’d encourage everyone to attend a professionally-organised public display, stand a safe distance away and keep an eye on your children. Also, never mix alcohol and fireworks.

“There’s an increase in anti-social behaviour between Halloween and Bonfire Night, so please make sure youngsters aren’t given access to fireworks.

“By following these simple tips you can help us prioritise other members of the community who need our help, such as someone suffering a cardiac arrest or an elderly person who’s fallen.”

People hosting their own event are reminded that fireworks should be kept in a closed box and used one at a time to avoid any accidents.

Follow the instructions on each firework, use a torch if necessary, and light them at arm’s length wearing goggles and protective clothing. Never return to a firework once it has been lit.

Children should wear gloves with sparklers, and never wave it near someone’s face. When the sparkler has finished, put it into a bucket of cold water straight away and leave it there.

In the event of an accident with fireworks or fires, the Welsh Ambulance Service have issued the following useful points:

• Extinguish any flames if the casualty is alight
• If alight, drop to the floor and roll to extinguish flames, keeping your mouth and eyes closed
• If you see someone else on fire, tell them to ‘Stop, drop and roll’
• Use cool water (ideally cold running water) to cool the burnt area and reduce the pain
• Do not remove any burnt clothing which has stuck to the skin
• Do not use any creams or oils on burn injuries