Emergency medicine consultants have issued a Hallowe'en warning about the need for safety precautions with firework use.

The Irish Association for Emergency Medicine (IAEM) says it is keen to see a reduction in the number of fireworks-related injuries which occur at this time of year.

The IAEM says although fireworks are very rarely associated with deaths in Ireland, much more commonly they cause burns and blast injuries to the upper limb (typically the fingers and hands) as well as the eyes.

"Unfortunately, the majority of such injuries leave permanent disfigurement and/or disability and the majority of victims are children and young adults."

The IAEM says although fireworks are never perfectly safe, their safety can be improved if they are used properly.

Following some simple measures will ensure that firework displays are enjoyable and safe:

* Adults should ensure that children are kept away from fireworks.

* People should be aware that sparklers can get up to five times hotter than cooking oil and they should never be given to a child under five, even under supervision.

* Certain fireworks can only be used by firework professionals. These include air bombs, aerial shells, aerial maroons, shells-in-mortar and maroons-in-mortar, all bangers, mini-rockets and fireworks with erratic flight.

* One person should be in charge of fireworks. This person should remain vigilant until the last firework has been safely discharged. Read the instructions in daylight and don't drink any alcohol until all have been discharged.

* You should also take precautions to protect your pets during times when fireworks are likely to be set off;

* On the night, you will need - a torch, a bucket or two of water, eye protection and gloves and a bucket of soft earth to put fireworks in.

* You will need suitable supports and launchers if you’re setting off Catherine wheels or rockets.

* For anyone organising a professional firework display, guidance is available on the Department of Justice website.