As Bonfire Night (5th of November) approaches, the Royal Hospital for Children (RHC), Glasgow and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) are joining forces to issue an important safety message.
This follows statistics that show 46 people in Scotland attended hospital for treatment after being injured by fireworks in just a four-week period last year. Over 37% of the firework injuries happened in Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
According to the statistics compiled by the Care of Burns in Scotland partnership, nearly half of injuries that occurred nationally required plastic surgery or specialist health care.
Sharon Ramsay, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Paediatric Burns at the Scottish National Burns Centre, based at the RHC has seen the devastating impact of fireworks firsthand.
“Every year around Bonfire Night, we treat children with serious injuries caused by fireworks and sparklers. These can be life-changing, especially in older children who’ve lit fireworks while holding them. We’ve seen blast injuries to hands, faces, and eyes, some resulting in permanent disability.
“If you’re using fireworks at home, please keep children indoors and behind closed windows where they can safely enjoy the display.
“It’s not just the 5th of November that’s risky. We often see more injuries in the two weeks following Bonfire Night, when young people get hold of leftover fireworks and use them unsupervised with friends.
“If you’re storing fireworks for another occasion, like New Year’s Eve, please keep them locked away and out of reach of children.”
Meanwhile, SFRS staff have been visiting schools and community groups across Scotland to raise awareness of the dangers of fireworks.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour is the SFRS Head of Prevention.
He said: “Every year we witness people who have been injured by fireworks.
“Fireworks are explosives and people need to understand how dangerous they can be.
“We would always urge people to attend an organised public display where possible, but where they can’t, they should always read the Fireworks Code before buying or using fireworks.
“A little knowledge can go a long way to keeping people safe.”
The Scottish National Burns Centre, hosted by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, provides specialist care for adults and children with complex burn injuries. Services include inpatient treatment and outpatient scar care clinics at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Royal Hospital for Children.
You can find all key safety information, including the Fireworks Code, on the SFRS website. https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/outdoors/fireworks-and-bonfires/
You’ll also find a full list of organised public displays.
