Does the New Year Begin with Emergency Interventions? Alarming Data from Norway
Over 60 percent of people injured by fireworks on New Year's Eve 2024 were under 30 years old. Most injuries involved teenagers and young adults. The data was presented by the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB).
New Year's Eve remains one of the most demanding days for emergency services.
Fot. /zdjęcie poglądowe, fot. Bjørn Kristian Bratlie (Flickr.com, CC BY-NC 2.0)
On New Year's Eve, 39 percent of those injured were between 11 and 20 years old. Another 22 percent were between 21 and 30. This means that over 60 percent of the injured were under 30 years old.
A consulting doctor from Frende Forsikring points out that children under 18 should not handle fireworks. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance and using protective goggles.
A consulting doctor from Frende Forsikring points out that children under 18 should not handle fireworks. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe distance and using protective goggles.
Fewer Injuries Than Usual
On New Year's Eve 2024, there were 23 reported injuries. The five-year average is 33 such cases. Seven of the injuries involved eyes, compared to 10 the previous year.
There were also 68 reported incidents involving fireworks, including fires and potentially dangerous situations. The six-year average for this category is 99 incidents.
There were also 68 reported incidents involving fireworks, including fires and potentially dangerous situations. The six-year average for this category is 99 incidents.
Most reports come from large gatherings of people.Photo: stock.adobe.com/standard license
Hundreds of Emergency Interventions
From the 2017/2018 season to 2024, fire and rescue services reported a total of 219 interventions related to fireworks. Most often, these involved building fires or their beginnings.
There was also a high number of fires in trash bins and containers. Grass, forest, and vehicle fires were also recorded. Reports included other incidents not falling into the main categories.
There was also a high number of fires in trash bins and containers. Grass, forest, and vehicle fires were also recorded. Reports included other incidents not falling into the main categories.
Most Common Injuries and Safety Measures
Firework-related injuries most often affect fingers, face, hearing, and eyes. Experts stress the importance of using ignition devices and avoiding alcohol before launching rockets.
They emphasize that reaction time after ignition is very short. Therefore, following safety rules remains a crucial part of New Year's Eve preparations.
They emphasize that reaction time after ignition is very short. Therefore, following safety rules remains a crucial part of New Year's Eve preparations.
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