AS FAMILIES celebrate Diwali and Bonfire Night with a bang, St John Ambulance has shared some life-saving advice for those adding a bit of sparkle to their celebrations this year.
Firework filled festivities are often great fun for adults and children, but they can be prone to accidents and injuries.
Volunteers from first aid and healthcare St John Ambulance will be out and about, keeping communities safe at dozens of fireworks and Diwali events across the country so that anyone who needs first aid gets it quickly.
However, injuries are much more likely to occur at private parties, where trained volunteers won’t be on hand to help.
So ahead of the celebrations charity St John Ambulance is urging everyone to learn some basic first aid skills
Dr Lynn Thomas, medical director at St John Ambulance, said: “For those celebrating at smaller community events, we would, as ever, urge extreme caution and advise strictly following instructions when handling, lighting and watching fireworks.
“In those unfortunate instances when someone has a minor injury, knowing what to do and acting fast can prevent further harm and relieve suffering. However, always dial 999 in the case of serious injuries.”
St John Ambulance’s Firework First Aid
* Burns or scalds
Move the person away from the heat and danger
Start cooling the injury as soon as possible. Place the burn or scald under cool water for 20 minutes minimum
If the burn is deep, or larger than the person’s hand, on their face, hands or feet, or the casualty is a child – call 999 immediately
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 and keep it clean
Don’t burst blisters
Monitor and treat for shock if necessary
Always seek further medical help if you are concerned about a change in someone’s condition, or if the casualty is a child. Call 111 for urgent medical advice, or 999 in an emergency.
*Debris in the eye
Tell them not to rub it, so they don’t make it worse or cause more damage
Pour clean water over their eye to wash out what’s in there and/or to cool the burn
Don’t touch anything that’s stuck in the eye – cover it with a clean dressing or non-fluffy material and take or send them straight to hospital, however as not every hospital has an eye department, ring 111 to locate the most appropriate facility to go to.
*Smoke inhalation
Move them away from the smoke so they can breathe in some 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 for an ambulance. Keep them calm whilst they are waiting.
