LAST year in the days running up to, and after, bonfire night, almost double the monthly average number of people were treated for burns at A&E departments and Minor Injuries Units across Worcestershire.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Alexandra Hospital, is urging people to keep themselves and their families safe this year by taking care around fireworks.

Safety advice includes making sure to handle bonfires and fireworks safely, keeping children away from fireworks and bonfires at all times.

Don’t forget that sparklers stay hot long after the sparkle has fizzled and should not be given to children under five years.

Always supervise children with sparklers and make sure that they wear gloves.

Rose Johnson, from the NHS trust, said: “Many people forget about the risks from bonfires, either from falls or picking up hot items that have fallen off the fire.

“It is important that everyone understands how to administer first aid to burn victims.”

She added: “A&E departments see an increase in very ill patients at this time of the year, so we would urge anyone with more minor complaints to choose the right health service for their condition.”

If an accident does occur, parents are being urged to choose the right healthcare service.

For medical attention, burns can be treated at Minor Injuries Units while those with serious injuries that require urgent medical treatment should be taken to A&E.

For more information, visit worcestershire.nhs.uk or call NHS Direct on 0845 4647.