Territory Day is a time of celebration however every year some people suffer serious and possibly life changing injuries from firework related harm.

Fireworks can be hazardous and have the potential to cause severe burns, lacerations, bruises even visual impairment, hearing loss and broken bones.

These are the types of injury sustained during Territory Day celebrations in past years.

Last year 21 people were treated across the Territory with age ranging from four to 54 years with varying severity of fireworks-related injuries. 

Since 2002 typically the majority (37 per cent) of injuries are to the hands and arms, with one quarter of people affected with face, neck and eye injury.

In more than one third of cases bystanders not directly involved in the lighting of fireworks, were injured.

Dr David Read, National Critical Care and Trauma Response Centre, said with sensible use injuries are avoidable.

“To ensure a safer Territory Day this year the Department of Health is asking people to take a few simple precautions to reduce the risk of injury,” said Dr Read.

These include:

• Never give fireworks to children under 12 years of age and supervise children at all times around fireworks. Children are naturally curious and not aware of all the dangers. A study has demonstrated that children are 11 times more likely to be hurt from fireworks if left unsupervised.
• Never hold more than one sparkler at a time. Sparklers burn at up to 1000C and can shed sparks and molten metal if more than one are lit together.
• Wear natural fibres or cotton, not synthetics. Synthetic clothing easily catches fire and has been the cause of significant burns on several occasions.
• Use a sand bucket or a flat, solid surface to stabilise fireworks. There have been many episodes of injury from fireworks tipping over.
• Avoid inspecting or relighting a ‘dud’ firework. There is always a risk of an injury if the firework was to reignite.
• Never point, hold or throw lit fireworks at people. There is the potential to cause a disfiguring injury.
• Never use illegal or homemade fireworks. These are extremely unreliable and dangerous.
• Fireworks and alcohol don’t mix. People should not use fireworks under the influence of alcohol because reflexes and judgement can be drastically impaired. 

“In terms of care we would recommend that any eye injury, deep burn or burn larger than a postage stamp requires medical review.”

To help remind Territorians of how to use fireworks in a safer way, fireworks safety posters and brochures will be placed in shops where fireworks are sold.

This same information is also available on the Department of Health website and was sent out to schools.

The Department encourages people to attend the many free professional fireworks displays taking place in towns across the NT this Territory Day to ensure that they have a safe and fun celebration free of harm.

Media Contact: Lorraine Hook 8999 2818 or 0427 596 954