26 October 2010
The A&E teams at Epsom and St Helier hospitals are urging local residents to take extra care with fireworks this Guy Fawkes' night.
Around this time every year, the Trust sees an increase in the number of people attending its A&E departments as a direct result of accidents caused by fireworks and bonfires, including children who are injured by sparklers.
Senior sister in the paediatric (children's) A&E at St Helier, Inky Stenning said: "Sadly, we're used to seeing young children in our hospitals with burns and finger-tip injuries caused by sparklers during late October and early November.
"We all know that sparklers are great fun and children love them, but they do burn at fierce temperatures. It's vital that you follow all of the guidelines when using sparklers and they shouldn't be given to children under the age of five."
But it's not just children who are at risk on 5 November. The latest recorded figures from the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills show that the majority of firework injuries occurred in people over the age of 20. In 2005, 422 adults (aged 20 and over), 213 teenagers (aged 13 - 17) and 281 children were all injured by fireworks.
Emergency nurse practitioner, Julie Gilbert works in the A&E department at St Helier Hospital. She said: "People can be irresponsible when it comes to fireworks. Although I'm pleased to say that, because of stricter rules and guidelines around fireworks, we are seeing a decline in the number of burns and other related injuries, but it does still happen.
"The burns that we see can be very serious and can have a lasting effect on people's lives - people can lose eyes and can be left badly scarred.
"I would urge anyone who wants to see fireworks to go to an organised public display. They are much safer and are handled by professionals - it simply isn't worth putting yourself or your children at risk"
If you would like to attend an organised firework event, you can join the Trust's nurseries for their celebrations at St Helier on 4 November. Tickets are on sale now, and include a hot supper. Call Woodlands nursery on 020 8296 2467 for more information. Tickets cost £5 for adults, £2.50 for children or a family ticket for two adults and two children is £14.
If you are using fireworks at home, you should follow the fireworks code:
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Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable.
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Keep fireworks in a closed box and use them one at a time.
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Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary.
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Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
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Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks.
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Never return to a firework once it has been lit.
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Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them.
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Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators.
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Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire.
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Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
