Ambulance service urges Bonfire Night safety after 1,143 emergency calls last year

The Welsh Ambulance Service handled 1,143 emergency 999 calls in a single 24-hour period last Bonfire Night, and is asking people to celebrate safely this Thursday.

A further 1,748 calls went to NHS 111 Wales over the same period, the Trust said.

Calls to both services traditionally rise on Bonfire Night, with crews dealing with burns, firework injuries and smoke inhalation.

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.”

The Trust’s advice is to move away from the heat source immediately and cool the burn under cool or lukewarm running water for 20 minutes.

Ice, creams and greasy substances should not be used.

Clothing or jewellery near the burn should be removed unless it is stuck to the skin, and the area can then be covered with cling film or a clean plastic bag.

Keep the person warm, taking care not to touch the burn, and use paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain if appropriate.

The Trust said 999 should only be called if the injury is serious or life-threatening, with further advice in the burns and scalds section of the NHS 111 Wales website.

It is also encouraging people to go to organised public firework displays where possible, saying professionally managed events are safer than home displays and reduce the risk of injury.

People with asthma are advised to carry their inhaler, make sure family and friends know what to do if symptoms worsen, and stay upwind and well away from bonfires.

Covering the mouth and nose with a scarf can help warm the air before breathing, and anyone whose symptoms have been triggered by smoke or fireworks before may want to stay indoors.

The service is also asking the public to treat emergency workers with respect.

Ms Bryce said: “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.”