Keep Children Safe from Fireworks

2 November 2012

Keep Children Safe from Fireworks

Two of New Zealand’s leading medical eye-care bodies issued a warning today to parents and the organisers of firework events to ensure that children are kept safe while fireworks are being used during the coming fireworks season.

Ophthalmologist Dr Derek Sherwood, Chair of the NZ Branch of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), and Dr Mike O’Rourke, Chair of Ophthalmology New Zealand, in a joint statement said: “We must ensure the safety of our kids on Guy Fawkes night and on other occasions when fireworks are being used. Fireworks can be very dangerous, especially if misused, and it is too often children who are the victims when incidents occur. We are particularly concerned about the risks of eye injuries to children, which can be severe with long term adverse effects on sight.”

Dr Sherwood and Dr O’Rourke urged parents to supervise their children closely when around fireworks, and said that the organisers of fireworks events need to make arrangements to ensure the safety of all participants, especially children.

ENDS

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