Stay safe this Bonfire night, urges the Welsh Ambulance Service – Deeside.com

The Welsh Ambulance Service has issued a strong safety message for Bonfire Night, urging the public to celebrate responsibly while reducing the risk of injuries from fireworks.

The night of November 5th has historically seen a spike in emergency calls. Last year's celebrations resulted in 3,433 calls to 999 and over 8,000 non-urgent inquiries to NHS 111 Wales.

Bonfire Night can pose significant risks, particularly from burns and smoke inhalation.

Judith Bryce, Assistant Chief Operating Officer for the Welsh Ambulance Service, noted the pressure on emergency services: “On a night when all emergency services across Wales are under high pressure, we are urging the public to protect themselves, their families and neighbors. “, and friends, by playing it safe and not taking any risks.”

To minimize accidents, the Welsh Ambulance Service reminds the public to follow fireworks regulations and offers specific first aid advice for burn injuries.

Steps include removing heat sources, cooling burns with lukewarm water for 20 minutes, and covering the burns and keeping them warm until further medical care is available if needed. However, severe burns should be treated as an emergency.

The service also offers advice for asthmatics, who are particularly vulnerable to the smoky air that comes with Bonfire Night.

They recommend carrying an inhaler with you, standing as sheltered from the smoke as possible and covering your mouth and nose with a scarf. For those who have had asthma attacks from fireworks in the past, it may be safer to stay home, especially if air quality is poor.

Respect for emergency service employees is another focus of the emergency service on this Bonfire Night.

Ms Bryce explained that anti-social behavior and unattended fires can place additional strain on resources and sometimes jeopardize the safety of emergency responders. “Our crews may have no choice but to leave the scene if their personal safety is at risk, and that is not helpful to anyone, least of all the patient,” Bryce added. “A split-second act of violence can have devastating and long-term effects on our employees, both physically and emotionally. So please work with us and not against us.”

The Welsh Ambulance Service has also encouraged the public to attend professional fireworks displays wherever possible, where safety measures are typically more stringent. Taking these precautions could help reduce injuries and allow everyone to enjoy the occasion safely.

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