Fireworks, sparklers and bonfires can be an enjoyable way to celebrate with family and friends, but they can also cause serious injuries if not handled safely. Every year, hospitals treat people with burns, eye injuries and other accidents that could have been prevented with a few simple precautions.
Dr Nick Mallaband, Chief Medical Officer at DBTH, said: “We want everyone celebrating Bonfire Night to have a great time, but it’s important to remember that fireworks and bonfires can be dangerous if proper care isn’t taken.
“Taking a few simple steps to stay safe can help prevent painful injuries and avoid an unnecessary trip to hospital. If you do need medical attention, it’s also important to choose the right service for your needs.”
For minor injuries, including small burns, sprains, cuts and grazes, the Minor Injuries Unit at Montagu Hospital in Mexborough may be able to help. For urgent medical advice, people can contact NHS 111 online or by phone. Serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies require immediate medical attention, and anyone experiencing a life-threatening emergency should call 999.
The Minor Injuries Unit at Montagu Hospital is open seven days a week, from 9am to 9pm, with the last admission at 8pm. Staff can treat a range of non-life-threatening conditions, including sprains, strains, simple fractures, wound infections, minor burns and scalds, cuts, grazes and minor eye injuries. The service is based at Montagu Hospital, Adwick Road, Mexborough (S64 0AZ), and patients can attend without an appointment.
Karen Jessop, Chief Nurse at DBTH, said: “Bonfire Night should be an enjoyable occasion for everyone. By following safety advice, looking out for one another and knowing where to turn if you need medical help, we can all play a part in keeping our communities safe and ensuring our emergency services are available for those who need them most.”
To help keep celebrations safe, residents are advised to read and follow firework instructions, buy fireworks from reputable retailers and keep a safe distance when they are being lit. Never return to a lit firework, and always supervise children using sparklers, placing them in a bucket of water once they have gone out.
Anyone planning a bonfire should keep it well away from buildings, fences and trees, never use petrol or other flammable liquids to start or revive a fire, and check for animals hiding in the woodpile before lighting it. If you’re unsure about lighting your own bonfire or fireworks, attend an organised celebration instead.