Remember, Remember – Take extra care on the fifth of
November
Families preparing to attend fireworks
displays are being advised by St John Ambulance London (Prince of
Wales’s) District to take extra care.
On hand to help throughout this busy period
The Charity’s volunteers will be on
duty at events across London to make sure that first
aid is available to everyone who needs it.
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.
First aid advice
Here are St John Ambulance’s top tips on how to care for someone
who may have a bad burn or an eye injury:
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.
Enjoy the festivities responsibly
Ann Cable, Commissioner of St John Ambulance London (Prince of
Wales’s) District, said: ‘Our Members will be busy covering a
number of large events to celebrate Bonfire Night.
‘We hope that everyone has fun and enjoys the
festivities responsibly, but if something happens, it’s
important to get prompt treatment as first aid can be the
difference between a life lost and a life saved.’