Fireworks Injuries Report

The annual Fireworks Injury Report from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has just been received. The report covers a four week period from 17^th October to 14^th November 2007 and details firework related  injuries treated at A&E Departments and Minor Injuries Units.

A total of 97 persons were injured over the Halloween period in 2007, an increase of 28 (41%) from the 2006 figure, of which 63% attended an Accident and Emergency Department or Minor Injuries Unit between 31st October and 6th   November 2007. There were no fatalities.

The most common sites of injury were to the wrist or hand (43% of all injuries) and the face, head or neck area (26%). 27% were asked to revisit the A&E Department and 20% of those injured were referred to their GP. Thirteen persons were admitted to hospital or transferred to another hospital.  Over a third of injuries were casual incidents in public places and just under a quarter occurred at family or private parties.

There has been an upward trend in number of injuries between 2003 and 2007. The number of injuries in 2007 was however still 30% down on the highest number of injuries recorded, which 139 was in 1999.

Whilst there is an increase this year in the overall number of accidents due to firework use or abuse over a 4 week period, this total should be measured against an average of 70 deaths per year and 72,300 injuries per year in Northern Ireland as a result of home accidents, of which 28% are very serious or serious and 14% result in admission to hospital. The cost of home accidents is estimated to be £78 million per year.

A copy of the full report is available at the following website for further reference.

http://www.dhsspsni.gov.uk/firework_injuries_2007_-_statistical_release_2007.pdf