According to the National Board of Health and Welfare's statistics, the number of firework injuries that require inpatient care has decreased.
One reason is believed to be that since mid-2019, training is required for those who want to fire so-called rockets with a joystick.
But this year, several municipalities have canceled their New Year's fireworks to avoid crowds, and therefore MSB fears that more private individuals will buy fireworks, which may lead to an increase in damage.
Something that the news agency Siren reported on.
- We feel a certain concern that more people choose to buy their own when you can not go and watch these festive fireworks, says administrator Rolf Weinander at MSB to Nyhetsbyrån Siren.
Ophthalmologist: We do not need more patients
At Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, they want to avoid people seeking care during New Year's Eve when the hospitals are full of their covid-19 patients.
- If it should happen that more patients came in than usual on New Year's Eve, we will manage it, but best of all we want a quiet evening when we have a lot of other things to do, says Madeleine Zetterberg, ophthalmologist and operations manager for eye care at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.
Sharp reduction in fireworks accidents
Between 2009 and 2019, more than 60 people received inpatient care due to firework injuries in Västra Götaland, which is the highest figure in the country.
But after new rules were introduced, about what types of rockets can be sold to private individuals, in 2019, the numbers have decreased both in Västra Götaland and in the rest of the country by 57 percent.
Since mid-2019, the law requires that anyone who wants to fire rockets with a joystick has an extensive education in pyrotechnics as fireworks are classified as flammable and explosive goods.
In some cases, you must also apply for a permit from the municipality and the police.