The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) is reminding people across the region to take extra care when attending firework and bonfire events across the weekend, by sharing some important safety advice.
The ambulance service would always recommend attending an organised event, rather than having fireworks at home.
SWASFT is reminding people to have fun, but to stay safe, by sharing five steps to ensure you have an enjoyable and safe time:
- When you’re watching a firework display, stand well back from any firework that has been lit, even if it has not gone off, as it could still explode.
- Don’t consume alcohol if you’re planning on setting off fireworks.
- Adults and children should always wear gloves when holding sparklers. Keep a bucket of sand or water handy to put used sparklers in. Make sure sparklers are kept away from faces, clothes, or other people.
- Stand at a safe distance from a bonfire – at least five metres away – and avoid wearing loose fitting clothing around naked flames.
- Don’t burn aerosols, batteries, tyres, canisters or anything containing foam or paint on bonfires – many produce toxic fumes and some containers may explode, causing injury.
Wayne Darch, Deputy Director of Operations at SWASFT, said: “Bonfire Night is an exciting time of the year, and we want everyone to have a safe, but fun time.
“To ensure we can be there for everyone that needs us in a medical emergency, we are asking people to help us to help you, by following our five steps to a safe Bonfire Night.
“Please choose the right care for you, so we have crews available for patients with the most life-threatening conditions.”
In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999 and request an ambulance. For non-life-threatening emergencies, people can access appropriate care by visiting NHS 111 online, contacting their GP or getting advice from a pharmacy.