Firework-related injury survey report 2012

Territory Day, celebrated on 1 July is the only day of the year when people in the Northern Territory (NT) can buy and ignite fireworks without a permit. Since 1998 the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) has conducted yearly firework-related injury surveys where injury data are collected to inform future fireworks safety campaigns that aim to educate the public regarding injury prevention and harm minimisation. This year’s survey was conducted in NT public hospitals and the Australian Defence Force health care facilities. Data were collected on people presenting with firework-related injuries between midnight 28 June - 4 July 2012. There were 13 firework-related injuries with ages ranging from 9 to 51 years old. Bystanders accounted for 77% of injuries. This year 1 person was admitted to hospital with a severe injury, 8 people sustained moderate injuries requiring multiple visits to health care providers and 4 people received mild injuries. Multishot fireworks accounted for 5 injuries. The number of firework-related injuries this year was less than the average of 18 injuries per survey period; however injury numbers fluctuate unpredictably year to year. Future firework injury campaigns should target younger age groups, bystanders and use of multishot fireworks.