FIREWORK NIGHT is just around the corner, and people across the country will be preparing the bonfires and the light shows. 

St Johns Ambulance has released a reminder of how dangerous this evening can be if safety precautions aren't adhered to. 

The ambulance service sees 1,000 people visiting A&E in the four weeks around firework night, and is aiming to reduce this number by releasing a how-to guide to dealing with a firework injury. 

Elizabeth Harper, Regional Director at St John Ambulance, 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. They literally light up the sky.
 
“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.
 
“Our Big First Aid Lesson is a great way for young people to learn too, it will air on 3 November and all teachers or parents need to do is go to www.sja.org.uk/bigfirstaidlesson and sign up, it’s free, interactive and a great way for children, and adults, to learn to basic first aid skills.”

The advice given by St Johns Ambulance is as follows:
If someone’s got a burn or scald:

  • Move the person away from the heat 
  • Place the burn or scald under cool running water for 10 minutes minimum 
  • If the burn is to a child, larger than your hand, on the face, hands or feet, or is a deep burn, call 999. 
  • Remove jewellery and clothing around the area, unless stuck to the burn. 
  • Cover the burn loosely, lengthways with kitchen film to prevent infection 
  • Don’t burst blisters. 
  • Monitor and treat for shock if necessary. 
  • Tell them to seek medical advice. 

 
If someone’s got something in their eye:

  • Tell them not to rub it, so they don’t make it worse
  • Pour clean water over their eye to wash out what’s in there and/or to cool the burn
  • 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
  • Then take or send them straight to hospital

 
If someone’s inhaled smoke fumes:

  • 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 999/112 for an ambulance.