Firework 'explodes in man's face'
Paramedics attended a spate of incidents across the West Midlands last night, including several in which people suffered facial injuries from exploding fireworks.
A man from Worcester was taken to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, after he suffered injuries to his face from a firework.
Emergency services also received reports several people were injured when a firework exploded at a display in Trysull in Wolverhampton. Four children, aged between six and 12, escaped with minor injuries, West Midlands Ambulance Service said.
Paramedics also treated a man in the Brownhills area of Walsall who suffered superficial burns to his hands and face from a firework. He was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital for further treatment.
West Midlands Ambulance Service has issued the following advice for staying safe at firework displays:
Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114 - it means they conform to British safety Standards
Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
Keep fireworks in a closed box.
Follow the instructions on each firework.
Light at arm’s length, using a taper.
Stand well back.
Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
Always supervise children around fireworks.
Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
Never give sparklers to a child under five.
Keep pets indoors.