A 16-year-old boy who suffered devastating injuries after a firework exploded in his hand has urged others to stay safe.
Rio Diveney from Oldham has spoken out about his ordeal as part of the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s ‘Bang Out of Order’ campaign in the run up to Bonfire Night.
On Friday 22 October, Rio was out with a friend when he was handed a firework to light. This was believed this to be an ‘onion bomb’ or industrial style firework, except this firework immediately went off, knocking him unconscious.
“One of my friends said he had this firework, he brought it outside, I thought it was just a normal firework.
“I took it to the corner of the street, went to light it and it just blew up, it didn’t make the normal noise a firework would,” Rio said.
Friends rushed Rio to Royal Oldham Hospital where he was found to be suffering from a deep gash to his hand, as well as burns to his chest, arms and abdomen.
He was later transferred to Wythenshawe Burns Unit for further treatment and doctors placed pins in his hand and a stitch to his chest.
The teenager is now undergoing weeks of physiotherapy before he will get full use of his hand and is unable to attend college.
“I can’t do things – my dad has to help me do everything. I am right-handed, it’s stopped me from doing most things.
“I have been very lucky, doctors have said I could’ve lost my first finger, my thumb, they said it could have been my face. It could have been my heart where my stitches were – it could’ve been a lot worse than it was.
“If anyone brings you a firework, just think twice and say no because this is what can happen,” Rio said.
“It has been hard, he can’t do his everyday things. He went to work, joinery and loved it – he can’t do that for a good few months.
“I would say don’t mess with fireworks. Go to a show, watch them at a show, if anyone offers you a firework don’t take it because this shows just how easily it can happen,” Rio’s dad Rick said.
GMFRS, alongside partner agencies including Greater Manchester Police (GMP) and North West Ambulance Service (NWAS), is calling on the public to think carefully about their actions and support the emergency services to keep the public safe.
People are advised to go to organised firework displays but if you are having fireworks at home, buy them from a licensed retailer and follow the Firework Safety Code.
Val Hussain, GMFRS Group Manager for Bury, Oldham and Rochdale, said: “Every year we see a number of people, including children, injured through the misuse of fireworks and sadly we have seen it happen again in recent weeks.
“Our advice would be, if possible, go to an organised bonfire and fireworks display, and if you are doing this, please don’t forget to keep up with all the COVID-19 measures.
“If you are going to use fireworks at home, then please follow the firework code and that starts with making sure the fireworks have the CE standard mark on them.
“Fireworks can be enjoyable but can also be extremely dangerous if not used correctly.”
GMFRS runs a fireworks amnesty with the aim to drive down firework related accidents and keep Greater Manchester safe during the Bonfire period by allowing members of the public to dispose of fireworks safely.
Contact GMFRS on 0800 555 815 to have fireworks safely collected.
Firework Safety Code
- Ideally attend an organised display
- Fireworks must not be sold to any person under the age of 18
- Buy fireworks marked CE
- Keep fireworks in a closed metal box and use them one at a time
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework
- Light the fireworks at arm’s length with a taper and stand well back
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit
- Never put fireworks in your pocket
- Never throw fireworks
- Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- Keep a bucket of water nearby at all times
- Alcohol and fireworks do not mix and may lead to injury
- Keep pets indoors
Other Safety Tips
- Buy fireworks from a licensed retailer
- Always supervise children around fireworks
- Never give sparklers to a child under the age of 5
- Prepare for the party in advance, and in daylight. On the night you will need a torch, a bucket of water, eye protection and gloves, a bucket of soft earth to put fireworks in and suitable supports and launchers if you're setting off Catherine wheels or rockets
- Leave the lighting of fireworks to responsible adults only
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