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Remember, remember 1st Aid this November
THE UK's leading 1st aid charity St
John Ambulance are urging everyone to learn some Basic 1st Aid skills ahead of
the Bonfire Night celebrations.
St John Ambulance volunteers will be attending almost 100 firework events across
the North West, so that anyone who needs 1st 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.
Every year, around 1,000 people will visit A&E for treatment of a firework
related injury in the 4 weeks around the 5 November 2015. But with some basic
1st aid skills, everyone can be prepared to help in a Firework 1st Aid
Emergency.
Ben Savage, Regional Events Manager 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 1st 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 1st aid emergency. For example, if someone
suffers a burn injury, it's important to take immediate action to prevent them
from going into shock or suffering long term damage. The most common injuries
that our volunteers are required to treat at Bonfire Night gatherings are burns, eg:- from fireworks, fire or sparklers; debris in the eye from bonfires and
fireworks and smoke inhalation."
Firework First Aid...
Burns or scalds...
If someone's got a burn or scald:-
► Run it under cold water for at least 10 minutes. You need to completely cool
their skin to prevent pain, scarring or further damage.
► If the burn is on a child, or if you think it's a serious burn (for example,
if it's deep, larger than the size of their hand, or on the face, hands or feet)
call 999/112 for an Ambulance.
► Remove any jewellery or clothing near the burn (unless they're stuck to it)
► Don't pop any blisters or apply creams; this can make it worse.
► Once cooled, cover the burn with cling film or a plastic bag.
► If necessary, treat them for shock, by laying them down with their legs raised
and supported above the level of their heart.
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.
► 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.
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 them breathe normally.
► If they don't recover quickly, call:- 999/112 for an Ambulance.
For 1st Aid information, visit:-
SJA.Org.UK, for more 1st aid tips. People
can also download the free St John Ambulance 1st Aid App (available for iPhone
and Android devices). |
