24 January 2008 - Minister disappointed by rise in fireworks injuries

Figures released show during the four week period from October 17 to November 14, 97 people were injured by fireworks - an increase of 28 (41%) from 2006.

The majority were young males who sustained injuries to the wrist or hands, face, head and neck.

The Minister stated: “The increase in number of people injured by fireworks at Halloween is very disappointing. Most people enjoy the festivities at this time. But there are serious consequences associated with misuse of fireworks as we have unfortunately witnessed once again.

“Everyone involved with fireworks during this season must be careful to avoid the terrible injuries,” he added.

Notes to Editors:

1. The information release is published on the Departmental website.
2. This information is collected via a special manual exercise carried out by A&E staff. It is conducted around a fixed four or five week period in order to minimise the data collection burden on staff and to ensure comparability from year to year. It does not therefore include injuries from fireworks outside the survey period and will not include injuries which were not sufficiently serious to warrant attendance at an A&E Department or Minor Injuries Unit.
3. All persons reporting to hospital Accident and Emergency Departments and Minor Injuries Units for the first time with an injury caused directly by fireworks are included in the return. Follow-up attendances at Accident and Emergency Departments and attendances at Minor Injuries Units on referral from Accident and Emergency Departments are not included.
4. The return for the year 2007 covered a four week period from Wednesday 17th October to Wednesday 14th November inclusive. Information for previous years reported in this release covers four- or five-week periods around Halloween.
5. In accordance with the Review of Public Administration, with effect from the 1st April 2007, five new integrated Health and Social Care Trusts (Belfast, Northern, South Eastern, Southern and Western) replaced the previous provider Trusts in Northern Ireland. Table 3b reports the number of people presenting themselves to hospital by New Trust.

Additional Information

Further information on fireworks injuries in Northern Ireland is available from:

Media queries to DHSSPS Press Office on 02890 520074, or out of hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.