Surgeon warns fireworks injuries could cause ‘lifelong problems’ – The Irish News

A moment’s carelessness with fireworks could lead to “problems for life”, one of the North’s leading plastic surgeons has warned. Halloween.

Alastair Brown, consultant plastic surgeon Ulster Hospitalsaid he sees fireworks-related injuries every year around Halloween, and many are “life-changing” for victims.

He urged people to be aware of the dangers of handling fireworks, including sparklers, and stressed they should never be treated as “toys”.

“They may look unusual in their packaging, but they are dangerous explosives and should be handled as such,” he said.

“Even sparklers can cause serious injury – they burn at very high temperatures. Clothing may catch fire, causing serious burns.”

Mr Brown has worked in Ulster Hospital’s plastic surgery department for more than 10 years and said the majority of injuries from fireworks are to the hands and face.

His warnings came after Earlier this month, a 12-year-old boy from West Belfast was hit in the face with a firework.resulting in him requiring emergency surgery around his eye.

“Every year the people we see at the show suffer life-changing injuries,” he said.

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“Fireworks injuries can cause severe scarring in areas such as the face or damage to the hands, which affects the way you work, socialize and live. Patients may require years of surgery and treatment, and this can often only partially correct the damage done. In the most extreme circumstances, injuries can be life-threatening and even lead to blindness.”

Mr Brown said anyone using fireworks should “treat them with the utmost respect”.

“Most of the fireworks-related injuries we see are preventable and caused by careless or improper use,” he added.

“Never let your guard down when using fireworks – follow fireworks instructions and regulations. A moment’s carelessness can cause a lifetime of problems for you or someone else.”