The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people across Wales to celebrate safely this Bonfire Night as crews prepare for one of the busiest nights of the year.
Bonfire Night traditionally brings an increase in calls to both 999 and NHS 111 Wales, with incidents ranging from burns and firework injuries to smoke inhalation.
Last Bonfire Night alone, the Trust handled 1,143 emergency 999 calls and a further 1,748 calls to NHS 111 Wales during a single 24-hour period.
Judith Bryce, Assistant Director of Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Bonfire Night is one of the busiest evenings of the year for emergency services, and we’re asking everyone to celebrate responsibly.
“Many of the injuries we see, particularly burns, are entirely preventable and following simple safety advice can make all the difference and help ensure everyone enjoys the evening safely.
“If a burn does happen, knowing what to do in those first few minutes can help reduce its severity.”
If you suffer a burn:
- Move away from the heat source immediately.
- Cool the burn under cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes. Do not use ice, creams or greasy substances.
- Remove clothing or jewellery near the burn unless it is stuck to the skin.
- Keep the person warm, taking care not to touch the burn.
- Cover the area with cling film or a clean plastic bag.
- Use paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve pain if appropriate.
- Visit the Burns and Scalds section of the NHS 111 Wales website for further advice.
- Only call 999 if the injury is serious or life-threatening.
Choose Professional Displays
Where possible, attend organised public firework displays. Professionally managed events are significantly safer than home displays and reduce the risk of injury.
Advice for People with Asthma
People with asthma are also encouraged to take extra precautions:
- Always carry your inhaler.
- Make sure family and friends know what to do if your symptoms worsen.
- Stay upwind and well away from bonfires to reduce smoke exposure.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf to help warm the air before breathing.
- Consider staying indoors if smoke or fireworks have previously triggered your symptoms.
- Visit the Asthma section of the NHS 111 Wales website for more advice.
Respect Emergency Workers
The Welsh Ambulance Service is also calling on the public to treat emergency workers with respect while they respond to incidents across Wales.
Judith added: “Every Bonfire Night our crews respond to a wide range of incidents, including injuries, anti-social behaviour and unsafe fires.
“If our staff feel threatened, they may be forced to withdraw from a scene, delaying care for the patient and putting others at risk.
“Any form of aggression towards emergency workers is unacceptable and can have lasting consequences for those affected.
“Let’s make this Bonfire Night memorable for the right reasons.
“Stay safe, look out for one another, and help us keep emergency services available for those who need them most.”
