Yorks: Ambulance service urges people to stay safe on Bonfire Night

Every year ambulance crews deal with a number of patients who have firework and bonfire-related injuries, and this year will be no exception.

Vince Larvin, locality director of A&E operations at the Trust, said: “Our 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 are safe when used properly and accidents are avoidable. However, they can cause devastating injuries if safety precautions are not followed.”

“We recommend that people attend a professionally-organised public display but if you are planning to host your own event, please make safety a priority to ensure everyone has a good time without getting hurt.”

In the event of an accident with fireworks or fires, the service says people need to act quickly.

If the patient is alight, extinguish any flames by rolling them on the ground and use cold water (ideally cold running water) to cool the burnt area and reduce pain.

Do not remove burnt clothing which has stuck to the skin and do not use skin creams or oils.

Seek urgent medical help if injuries are serious by calling 999, while for minor injuries, visit a minor injuries unit or contact the urgent care service NHS 111 by dialling 111.

For more information on firework safety, please visit The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Safer Fireworks website: www.saferfireworks.com