Ahead of bonfire night celebrations, St John Ambulance is urging everyone to learn some vital, basic first aid skills.
Volunteers from the charity will be attending firework events across Worcestershire to help anyone who needs first aid, but injuries are much more likely to occur at private parties, where trained volunteers won’t be on hand to help.
Every year, around 1,000 people visit A&E with a firework-related injury in the four weeks around November 5, but with some basic first aid skills, everyone can be prepared to help in a firework first aid emergency.
Rregional director, Steve Hargreaves said: “St John Ambulance is keen that people enjoy Bonfire Night but don’t end their celebrations in hospital. Fireworks and bonfires can provide fun and entertainment for families at a time of year when the evenings are rather dark and gloomy.
“Our volunteers will be on hand to provide expert first aid assistance at public displays across the region but if you are organising a private event, you need to know what to do if there is a first aid emergency.
“It’s important to take immediate action to prevent shock or long-term damage.”
The most common injuries treated at Bonfire Night gatherings are burns, debris in the eye from bonfires and fireworks, and smoke inhalation.
If someone has a burn or scald, run it under cold water for at least 10 minutes, completely cooling the skin to prevent pain, scarring or further damage.
Remove any jewellery or clothing near the burn (unless they’re stuck to it) and be careful not to pop any blisters or apply ice, cream or gel.
Once cooled, cover the burn with cling film or a plastic bag but if the burn is on a child, or is serious burn (deep, larger than the size of their hand, or on the face, hands or feet) call 999/112 for an ambulance.
If someone’s got something in their eye, make sure they do not to rub it, so they don’t make it worse and pour clean water over their eye.
If this doesn’t work, try to lift the debris out with a damp corner of a clean tissue
If this doesn’t work either, don’t touch anything that’s stuck in their eye – cover it with a clean dressing or non-fluffy material and take them straight to hospital.
To treat someone who has inhaled smoke fumes, move them away from the smoke so they can breathe in fresh air.
Help them sit down in a comfortable position and loosen any tight clothing around their neck to help them breathe normally.
If they don’t recover quickly, call 999/112 for an ambulance.
For more information visit www.sja.org.uk or call 08700 10 49 50.
