Stay safe this Bonfire Night, urges Welsh Ambulance Service

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

The night of 5 November has historically brought a spike in emergency calls, with last year’s celebrations prompting 3,433 calls to 999 and over 8,000 non-emergency inquiries to NHS 111 Wales.

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

Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations for the Welsh Ambulance Service, noted the pressure on emergency services: “On what is a high-pressure night for all emergency services across Wales, we are urging the public to help safeguard themselves, their families, neighbours, and friends by staying safe and not taking risks.”

To minimise accidents, the Welsh Ambulance Service reminds the public to follow the Firework Code and offers specific first-aid advice for burn injuries.

The steps include moving away from heat sources, cooling burns with lukewarm water for 20 minutes, and keeping burns covered and warm until further medical care is available if needed. Severe burns, however, should be treated as emergencies.

The Service also provides advice for asthma sufferers, who are particularly vulnerable to the smoky air associated with Bonfire Night.

They recommend carrying an inhaler, standing upwind of smoke when possible, and covering the mouth and nose with a scarf. For those with a history of asthma flare-ups from fireworks, considering staying indoors may be a safer choice, especially if air quality is poor.

Respecting emergency service workers is another key focus for the Ambulance Service this Bonfire Night.

Ms Bryce explained that antisocial behaviour and unsupervised fires can stretch resources further and sometimes threaten the safety of emergency responders. “Our crews might have no choice but to leave a scene if their personal safety is compromised, and this isn’t helpful for anyone, least of all the patient,” Bryce added. “A split-second act of violence can have a devastating and long-term impact on our staff, both physically and emotionally, so please work with us, not against us.”

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