Leading health and first aid charity St John Ambulance is urging people to learn some basic first aid ahead of the Bonfire Night celebrations.

With more private parties likely to take place this year as some of the large-scale displays remain closed due to COVID, and in the absence of trained volunteers on hand to help, the charity is encouraging the public to be aware of fire-related first aid techniques in the event of an accident. First aid saves lives, so ask us how you can equip yourselves with skills to deal with a range of incidents.

Statistics show that thousands of people will visit A&E every year for treatment of a firework-related injury*. But with some basic first aid skills, everyone can be prepared to help in a firework first aid emergency. Dr Lynn Thomas, St John’s Medical Director, said:

“Bonfire Night parties should be great fun and we want everyone to be able to enjoy their evening and the displays. Unfortunately, accidents can sometimes happen and, while our highly trained volunteers will be present at public events, people hosting their own parties would benefit from having a few simple first aid techniques to hand.

"For serious incidents we would always recommend dialling 999 but many minor issues can be easily dealt with at home. Further information can be found in the first aid advice section of our website."

Firework First Aid

Burns or scalds

If someone’s got a burn or scald:

• Move the person away from the heat 
• Place the burn or scald under cool or lukewarm running water for 20 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 wrap to help prevent infection and keep it clean
• Don’t burst blisters
• Monitor and treat for shock if necessary
• Tell them to seek medical advice. This is essential for all severe burns and also for minor burns in children or if you are concerned about someone’s condition

Debris in the eye

• If someone’s got something in their 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
• 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, however as not every hospital has an eye department, ring 111 to locate the most appropriate facility to go to

Smoke inhalation
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 thembreathe normally
• If they don’t recover quickly, call 999 for an ambulance. Keep them calm whilst they are waiting

For those looking for quick, easily accessible first aid information, the St John Ambulance app is available free on smartphones and at sja.org.uk.