Surrey and East Hampshire urged to be safe and sensible this fireworks night

South East Coast Ambulance Service is urging people to act sensibly and follow safety advice this fireworks night.

SECAmb is asking everyone celebrating to follow some simple tips to “stay injury free and avoid the need to seek medical assistance or to have to call 999”.

Head of Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience, Dave Williams, said: “We know people will want to enjoy and celebrate over the coming days but with that comes the sad reality that we will be called to injuries including those caused by fireworks or bonfires every year.

“One injury by whatever means is one too many. It could be an unattended candle, or careless behaviour around a fire - the huge majority of incidents are avoidable. By closely following the safety advice people can avoid the need to contact the ambulance service or wider NHS and keep themselves and others safe.

Fireworks and bonfire safety advice:

• Never use petrol or other chemicals on a bonfire

• Keep fireworks in a closed box away from children and use them one at a time

• Read any instructions carefully using a torch if necessary

• Never smoke around fireworks

• Light fireworks at arm’s length with a taper and stand at a safe distance

• Never return to a firework once it has been lit

• Don’t put fireworks in pockets and never throw them

• Follow safety instructions if using sparklers

• Drinking alcohol and lighting fireworks do not mix

• Consider whether younger children would prefer to watch fireworks from inside

People can make a real difference to someone’s recovery from a burn by remembering to “Cool, Call and Cover”:

• Cool the burn with running cold tap water for 20 minutes and remove all clothing and jewellery (unless it is melted or firmly struck to the wound)

• Call for help – you can call the NHS 111 service for initial advice on treating burns or call your local GP. In an emergency, call 999

• Cover the burn with cling film or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth. Make sure the patient is kept warm