SFRS teams up with children's burns specialist to deliver stark firework safety warning
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) has joined forces with children's burns specialists to drive home the importance of staying safe around fireworks.
During just a four week period last year, 46 people attended hospital for treatment after being injured by fireworks.
According to the statistics compiled by the Care of Burns in Scotland partnership, nearly half of those treated required plastic surgery or specialist health care.
SFRS staff have been visiting schools and community groups across Scotland to lay bare the dangers of misusing fireworks.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour is the SFRS Head of Prevention.
He said: "Every year we witness people who have been injured by fireworks.
"Fireworks are explosives and people need to understand how dangerous they can be.
"We would always urge people to attend an organised public display where possible, but where they can't, they should always read the Fireworks Code before buying or using fireworks.
"A little knowledge can go a long way to keeping people safe."
Sharon Ramsay, Clinical Nurse Specialist for Paediatric Burns at the Scottish National Burns Centre, based at the Royal Hospital for Children, has seen the devastating impact of fireworks firsthand.
She said: "Every year around Bonfire Night, we treat children with serious injuries caused by fireworks and sparklers. These can be life-changing, especially in older children who’ve lit fireworks while holding them.
"We’ve seen blast injuries to hands, faces, and eyes, some resulting in permanent disability.
“If you’re using fireworks at home, please keep children indoors and behind closed windows where they can safely enjoy the display.
“It’s not just the 5th of November that’s risky. We often see more injuries in the two weeks following Bonfire Night, when young people get hold of leftover fireworks and use them unsupervised with friends.
“If you’re storing fireworks for another occasion, like New Year’s Eve, please keep them locked away and out of reach of children.”
You can find all key safety information, including the Fireworks Code, on the SFRS website.
You'll also find a full list of organised public displays.