Staffordshire army veteran calls for tougher measures around fireworks
It's as many find unexpected loud noises and bangs extremely traumatic
A Staffordshire veteran is calling for tougher restrictions on when and where fireworks can be sold and set off in England and Wales.
It follows a survey conducted by military charities, which found that almost three-quarters of the veteran population back a tightening of the current legislation.
It showed 74 per cent of the veterans surveyed want to see the days and times when fireworks can be set off to be restricted further, while 67 per cent want a reduction in the overall number of days fireworks can be sold to the public.
Almost a quarter (23 per cent) said fireworks have triggered a negative experience for them personally, ranging from feeling jumpy and hypervigilant, through to experiencing a full panic attack.
Wayne Cartlidge from Stone has PTSD and major injuries after serving stints in Northern Ireland, Sierra Leone and Iraq.
"Six o'clock onwards I'll be head into books, study. My headphones on. That's how I go about it near enough every year now." he told Hits Radio Staffordshire & Cheshire News.
"It'll be a case of music on, curtains closed.
"There's some that sound a lot like different weapons when they're fired. It heightens that anxiety, and that's the whole thing about when you were in situations when you were serving. You don't know what's going to happen and when.
"And because of nightmares and what have you, it was about 1am. I was still awake, sat on the side of the bed and nearly ended up on the floor because fireworks went off.
"It's that initial startle that gets you. It was hours before I went back to sleep."
Current legislation permits fireworks to be sold to the public from 15 October to 10 November each year – as well as around other annual festivals such as new year – so veterans face a challenging month when private ‘backyard’ displays can be set off at any time; a month which also encompasses the lead-up to Armistice, when veterans, serving personnel and their families may be experiencing a period of grief related to fallen comrades.
James Needham, CEO of Help for Heroes, said: “Many people look forward to bonfire night and it is a big event in the calendar, but not everyone enjoys it.
“Veterans tell us the sudden noises, flashes and smells caused by fireworks can leave them feeling nervous and fearful. Some can feel overwhelmed, others may be reminded of moments in combat and past traumatic events.
“That is why we are calling upon the Secretary of State for Business and Trade to commission an independent review of the current legislation, and to consider tighter restrictions on fireworks sales in England and Wales.”
Professor Catherine Kinane, Medical Director at Combat Stress, added: “We see a higher rate of distress in veterans accessing our mental health services at this time of year. The sound and unexpected bangs of fireworks can be reminders of frontline combat where they were exposed to the horrors of war in service to this country.
“That the majority of the veteran community wants to see tougher restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks is a clear indication of the scale of the problem. We want to see the Government commission this review and show consideration for the negative impact that fireworks can have on society, particularly those who are vulnerable.”
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