A new safety campaign by the Department of Health and Community Services is being rolled out in the lead up to Territory Day.
Fact sheets with information and advice on safe fireworks use and injury prevention will be available at all fireworks distributors on Tuesday July 1.
Fireworks injuries have increased in the last two years with males aged between 10 and 29 the main culprits.
Many of the recorded injuries were very serious - leaving permanent scarring and debilitating injuries that could have been prevented.
DHCS Chief Physician Dr Steven Skov says injuries like these are preventable.
"By exercising basic common sense and safety awareness there would be a significant reduction in people hurt by fireworks.
"In 2006 there were 35 recorded injuries presenting to Emergency Departments, 7 hospital admissions and 23 cases that required outpatient burns care.
"Last year there were 31 injuries but 10 were admitted to hospital and 16 people had to receive follow up treatment. Many smaller burns presented to GP's and are not recorded in these figures.
"Five of the injuries were caused by the person lighting more than one sparkler which creates a super-ignition and causes the sparklers to melt into their hands," he says.
And Dr Skov says fireworks that fail to go off are deceiving.
"Never inspect or attempt to re-light a dud firework. It may still go off and cause a serious injury or burn to yourself or someone nearby.
"Instead, leave it for some time and then soak it in water with a hose or bucket," he says.
Dr Skov adds that a fireworks or sparkler burn can be less severe if proper first aid is performed immediately.
"Pour cool water over the burn area for 20 minutes before covering it with cling wrap. Don't use ice, oil, butter or ointment - they will make it worse.
"Seek early medical attention at the hospital if the burn is larger than a postage stamp. In emergencies call 000 if you require an ambulance," he says.
Fireworks safety advertisements will appear in all NT papers while information sheets will be available at point of sale and were distributed to NT schools last week.
Safety tips:
- Follow the instructions written on the firework
- Place on a flat surface
- Stand at least 5 metres away
- Never aim fireworks at people
- Never relight dud fireworks
- Supervise children at all times
Media Contact: Sonia Peters, DHCS Media Liaison Officer 0401 119 550
Release date: 27 June 2008
