ST JOHN Ambulance has released advice to help people celebrate Bonfire Night safely.
Both Diwali and Bonfire Night see the use of fireworks and similar celebrations, which can cause some risk when not handled responsibly.
St John Ambulance advises that in the case of a burn or a scald, if the burn is deep or larger than the person’s hand, on their face, hands or feet, or the casualty is a child to call 999 immediately.
Move the person away from danger and sources of heat and start cooling the injury as soon as possible.
Place the burn or scald under cool water for a minimum of 20 minutes.
Remove jewellery and clothing around the area unless stuck to the burn, cover the burn loosely, lengthways with kitchen film wrap to help prevent infection, keep the area clean, and don’t burst blisters.
Monitor the patient and treat for shock if necessary, and always seek further medical help if you are concerned about a change in someone’s condition, or if the casualty is a child.
Should somebody have debris in their eye, make sure that they do not rub it, which can make it worse or cause more damage.
Pour clean water over their eye to wash out what’s in there and to cool the burn if present.
If this doesn’t work, try to lift the debris out with a damp corner of a clean tissue, and if still unable, cover the the eye with a clean dressing.
The patient should then be taken straight to the hospital, but not every hospital has the relevant department, so make sure to check your nearest location by calling 111.
If somebody has suffered from smoke inhalation, move them away from the smoke so they can breathe fresh air.
Help them sit down in a comfortable position, loosen any tight clothing around their neck to help them breathe normally, and if they don’t recover quickly, call 999 for an ambulance.
St John Ambulance’s medical director, Dr Lynn Thomas, said: “If you’re celebrating over the next few weeks for Diwali and Bonfire Night by lighting candles, sparklers, fireworks or even bonfires, please enjoy yourself, but do so safely.
“Our volunteers will be out and about at events in your community, but it’s always worth brushing up on your fire-related first aid knowledge so you’re prepared just in case something does go wrong.
“Some simple first aid techniques like knowing how to cool a burn or remove cinders from the eye, can make all the difference in helping you celebrate safely.”
She added: “I’d encourage everyone to be mindful of their neighbours this year too.
“As it’s not just our pets that fireworks can sometimes upset – it can affect everyone differently, especially those suffering from mental health conditions, so just make sure to look out for one another.”
For more information or first aid advice, visit: www.sja.org.uk
