A veteran has told of how fireworks can sound like ‘explosions and gunfire,’ for those who have experienced warzones.
For some, fireworks are just dazzling colours that illuminate the night sky, but for others, it can be a trigger, reminding them of times of war.
Andy Price, an ex-rifleman and founder of the Veterans Hub on Portland Road, Weymouth, explained that following one ‘unexpected display, he had a repetitive nightmare for two consecutive nights.’
He said: “We have amputees living in the community and veterans who have experienced really intense gunfire.
“It’s not just veterans, but people within the community including those who have fled from countries of war like Syria, Ukraine and Afghanistan.”
Mr Price believes that the effect that the loud explosions can have on individuals is ‘a lot more prominent than it used to be, following ‘a 20-year conflict in Afghanistan’ as well as the more recent wars.
He added: “Fireworks are effectively explosives. I heard some go off the other night and it does sound like gunfire. There was one at the weekend that scared the life out of me because it went off unexpectedly.”
The veteran believes that ‘organised displays are the only way forward,’ adding, ‘I have never come across anybody that has an issue with organised displays.’
He said: “When the Town Council trialled the low noise fireworks a while back, I think it worked brilliantly,” explaining that fireworks ‘don’t affect everyone the same way and some people are not impacted by it whatsoever.’
In the week leading up to bonfire night, Mr Price explained that veterans ‘know that the loud bangs are likely to happen, but it still doesn’t make things any easier.’
He added: “I know someone who at this time of year won’t even leave his house and will have noise cancelling headphones on,
“It might be one night for some people, but for other people it’s something that they are living with all the time
“When they go off late at night, it can mess with people’s heads. If you’re asleep and wake up to that kind of noise it can be confusing and scary until you realise where you are and what’s going on.”
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