Fireworks warning from emergency medics (From Dudley News)

Fireworks warning from emergency medics

8:00am Friday 2nd November 2012 in Local

EMERGENCY medics are urging Black Country people to take extra care with fireworks during Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) says with November 5th falling on a Monday this year and Diwali beginning on Tuesday November 13, celebrations are likely to fall over an extended period.

Whilst the service is keen to see people enjoying the celebrations, officers are reminding people fireworks are explosives which can cause serious injury.

WMAS Medical Director, Dr Andy Carson, said: “Despite decreases in injuries, no-one should be complacent about the potential levels of injury.

“The damage that can be caused can have a lifelong impact on an individual’s health and can particularly have severe consequences for children.

“Throughout the celebrations over the next couple of weekends remember to keep a watchful eye on your children and to keep them out of harm’s way and if you are handling or lighting fireworks yourself remember to follow all the safety rules.”

Firework safety tips include -

• only buy fireworks from a legitimate retailer
• check the fireworks you buy are suitable for the size of garden
• allow only one person to be responsible
• have a bucket of water ready and wear eye protection and gloves if lighting fireworks
• light fireworks at arm's length with a taper, stand well back and keep others back too
• always supervise children and store fireworks in a metal box which should be kept closed between use.