Fireworks injury

This page has information about what to do if someone is injured by a firework.

Fireworks safety

Read below for how to handle fireworks safely or go to the NT Worksafe website.

Fireworks

Fireworks can be very dangerous and should never be given to children under the age of 12.

Sparklers

Never hold and light more than one sparkler at a time. It can cause a super ignition with extremely hot embers that can cause serious burns.

Sparklers should be held at arm's length, away from the body and clothing.

Dispose of used sparklers in a bucket of sand or water.

Dud fireworks

Never inspect or relight a dud firework as it may still go off and cause serious injury.

Keep away from a firework that didn't ignite for 20 minutes, pour water on it and dispose of it properly.

Burn injury from fireworks

You should apply the three Cs when treating a burn:

• cool it - under running water for 20 minutes
• cover it - with cling wrap (eye pad or clean dressing if an eye injury)
• call 000 - for an emergency response.

Eye injury from fireworks

If someone gets small, loose specks in their eye, do all of the following:

• do not rub the eye
• if the object is on the white of the eye remove it using the corner of a clean, moist cloth, cotton bud or tissue paper spear
• wash the eye with a gentle stream of saline or clean water, or let tears wash the speck out
• do not try to remove an object from the coloured part of the eye - wash it with saline or clean water and get medical help if this doesn't work.

If there is a cut or puncture to the eye or eyelids or objects penetrating the eye, do all of the following:

• do not wash out the eye with water or any other liquid
• do not try and remove an object that is stuck
• do not give the person anything to eat or drink
• cover the injured eye with an eye pad or clean dressing
• get urgent medical help.