Parents Warned: “Beautiful but Dangerous” Bonfire Night Fireworks Could Lead to Emergencies

As Bonfire Night celebrations light up the skies across the UK, parents are being urged to take extra care with fireworks and sparklers after warnings from a paediatrician about potential health risks for children.

Fireworks and Sparklers Pose Serious Dangers

According to new research from Totalkare, Bonfire Night presents specific seasonal health risks for children, with particular concern over burns, eye injuries, and hand trauma.

Dr. Arindam Das, a paediatrician verified on healthcare review platform Doctify, said:

“Fireworks and sparklers are beautiful but dangerous – sparklers burn at over 1000°C and can cause serious hand burns. Children should watch fireworks at a safe distance, wear gloves if holding sparklers, and always have water nearby. Public displays are far safer than home fireworks.”

Dr Arindam explained that public displays are organised by trained professionals who use safety barriers, controlled launch zones, and emergency equipment. In contrast, home displays carry increased risks including incorrect set-up, unpredictable firework behaviour, lack of protective barriers, and children being too close to the action.

Alarming Numbers Behind Emergency Callouts

Totalkare’s research delved into historic emergency service operations during autumn and winter, revealing the scale of health risks during these months. Data from the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives showed there were more than a quarter of a million category 1 (life-threatening emergencies) incidents between October and December 2024.

The numbers climbed each month, with around 84,000 incidents recorded in both October and November, rising to approximately 93,000 in December.

A Freedom of Information request to NHS England revealed that more than 2.6 million (2,671,109) 999 calls were answered over the same three months, averaging about 29,000 per day, with an average answer time of just seven seconds.

Seasonal Risks Extend Beyond Fireworks

Totalkare’s Marketing Director, Adam Bowser, said:

“Whilst each season carries hidden health risks, some unique hazards present themselves during the autumn and winter months – including health issues related to colder weather (such as hypothermia and frostbite) and injuries from accidents like slips and falls in icy conditions.

Plus, seasonal events – such as Halloween, Bonfire Night, Christmas, and New Year – also come with their own unique risks, with dangers spanning choking hazards, burns, alcohol-related issues, and more.”

Supporting the Emergency Services

Adam added that emergency services remain one of Totalkare’s core sectors:

“From fire engines to ambulances, our lifting and brake testing equipment – as well as a host of other specialist workshop equipment – helps these vital services to maximise vehicle availability through routine service and maintenance.

Ensuring consistent vehicular availability in emergency service fleets can mean the difference between life and death, ensuring critical response teams are ready to act without delay when every second counts.”

More information on Totalkare’s research into emergency service callouts and seasonal risks can be found at totalkare.co.uk