Consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Vic, Dr Andy Kinnon, talks about his Do’s and Don’ts for keeping safe around fireworks

On the eve of Bonfire Night, we spoke to our Consultant in Emergency Medicine at the Vic, Dr Andy Kinnon, about his Do’s and Don’ts for keeping safe around fireworks: DO: If possible, try to attend a well-organised event (http://tinyurl.com/prscq7s). Only use fireworks that are marked as British Standard (7114). Keep fireworks in a closed box and follow instructions closely. Light fireworks at arm’s length using a taper and stand well back. If burned, try to immediately put the injury under cold running water. DON’T: Drink alcohol if responsible for any fireworks. Never go back to re-light a firework that doesn’t appear to have worked. Keep fireworks in your pocket. Never throw fireworks. If burned, don’t heed any old wives tails such as using butter or olive oil for treatment – instead put cling film over the burn to stop air getting to wound and alleviating discomfort.