Firework packaging must show graphic images of burns, surgeons demand

Some wounds sustained on Bonfire Night would not look out of place in a war zone, say experts

FIREWORKS should be sold in packaging that shows graphic images of the life-changing injuries and burns they can cause, leading plastic surgeons have said.

The warnings would help prevent accidents that often leave people disfigured and blinded, the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) claimed.

In the run-up to Bonfire Night, the group called for a law to make pictures of mutilated faces, eyes and limbs mandatory on all fireworks packaging.

Rockets, sparklers and Catherine wheels are often sold in brightly coloured boxes and given names such as “Big Boom”, “Star Striker” and “Raging Raptor”.

Mark Henley, president of the association, said: “Although packaged as toys, these are serious explosives, and the types of reconstructive surgery being required would not be out of place in a war zone.”

Clearer warnings and graphic images on fireworks packaging would make the advertising more responsible and in line with other products deemed a risk to health, such as cigarettes.

He issued the warning after NHS figures revealed that in the past year nearly 2,000 people were treated for firework injuries. One third were under 18. Injuries were more common at private displays, such as those at home, where trained first aiders would not be on hand.

“Another year has passed and the Government has failed to take appropriate action to reduce the number of children and young adults who sustain life-changing injuries from the misuse of fireworks,” added Mr Henley.

David Newington, president of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand, said surgeons often saw people “losing parts of their hand” due to misuse of fireworks. “Warnings on packaging would serve as a graphic reminder of the severe yet avoidable damage they can cause,” he said. Last month Sainsbury’s became the first major British retailer to stop selling fireworks. Tesco and Asda both said they would continue to sell them.

A total of 4,436 people went to A&E due to an injury caused by a firework in 2017-2018, a figure that has more than doubled from 2,141 in 2009-10.

The Met Office advised people attending or organising bonfires in the south of England to be aware that strong winds of up to 50mph were forecast over the next few days.