Remember remember the fifth of November
(And these simple first aid tips for treating common bonfire
night injuries)
St John Ambulance Kent is
reminding people to take extra care when attending
or organising firework and bonfire displays. During this year's
Bonfire Night weekend divisions will be providing first aid support
at over 25 displays and events across Kent.
The most common injuries sustained on Guy Fawkes Night are burns
from, for example, picking up a hot sparkler, and
injuries to the eye, caused when people look up at the
fireworks.
St John Ambulance's top tips on how to care for
someone who may have a bad burn or an eye injury, include:
Burns
- Holding the affected area under cold water for
at least ten minutes will cool the burn down and help to prevent
scarring
- Burns covering an area larger than the palm of
the casualty's hand will require professional medical attention and
so the casualty will need to see a doctor or go to hospital
- Major burns should be treated with water and in most cases an
ambulance will need to be called to get urgent medical
help on the way
- Burns must never be treated with lotions,
ointments or creams, and adhesive dressings must not be applied to
the affected area
- To avoid infection the wound can be covered with any
non-fluffy material such as cloth, a clean plastic
bag or kitchen film.
Eye injuries
- Stand beside or just behind the injured person. Gently separate
their eyelids with your forefinger and thumb and ask them to look
right, left, up and down while you examine the eye
- If you can see a foreign object, wash it out by pouring clear
water from a glass or jug or using sterile eye wash. Place a towel
around their shoulders and pour from the inner corner of the
eye
- If unsuccessful then try lifting the object off with the damp
corner of a clean tissue
- If you still cannot remove the object, seek medical
help.