Paul Caffrey, Managing Director of Heart Medical said:

“The most important piece of advice that I can give is that if you are organising a firework display – however small – ensure you have a fully stocked first aid kit. Every year we hear about injuries that occur during Bonfire Night and in many cases, these can be avoided by using fireworks sensibly.”

“In the lead up to Bonfire Night, we are giving you some advice for minor incidents. Just knowing basic first aid skills can help save a life, if you are organising an event for members of the public employ a competent Event Medical provider, my final piece of advice is that when you can – attend a first aid training course.”

What is the most common firework injury?

The most common fireworks injuries are minor burns caused by sparklers. Most commonly affecting children, minor burns usually leave no lasting effects.

First Aid Advice:

Minor burns are usually red and painful, often caused when a child picks up an old sparkler that hasn’t cooled down.

First Aid Action:

Cool the affected area under cold running water for at least 20 minutes. Remove any adjacent clothing and jewellery, (but not if anything is stuck to the skin). Once it is cool cover the burn with a sterile dressing or a clean non-fluffy material to prevent infection. Kitchen film or a clean plastic bag is a good alternative.

Seeking Medical Attention:

Most minor burns can be self-managed but special care should be taken if the burn is on a young child or an elderly person. Seek medical attention if the burn is larger than the size of the patient’s hand, goes all around a limb or causes blistering on the face, hands, arms, feet or genitals.

What if someone’s clothing is on fire?

What do you do if someone has severe burns?

A severe burn is deep and doesn’t hurt as much as a minor one, often blisters and can cause damaged nerve endings. Sever burns need immediate first aid and medical attention – stay calm and follow these steps.

1. Cool the burn immediately under running water for at least 20 minutes. Use a shower or hose if the burns are large. The water doesn’t have to be freezing, just cooler than the temperature of the burn.
2. Call 999 or 112 for an ambulance
3. Keep cooling the burn whilst waiting for professional help to arrive. Remove any constricting items such as jewellery or clothing from the affected area unless they are stuck to the burn.
4. Keep the casualty as comfortable as possible – use a blanket or warm clothing to keep them warm, and offer them some pain relief such as paracetamol if they are in pain.
5. Once the affected area is cool cover the burn with a clean non-fluffy material, cling film or a clean plastic bag.

For ALL burns DO NOT

• Use lotions, ointments and creams
• Use adhesive dressings
• Break blisters

Sometimes bits of debris in the air can get into your eyes at a fireworks display. Here’s what to do.

1. Advise the person not to rub their eye eyelids
2. Ask them to sit down
3. Stand behind them, gently open their eyelids and pour clean water into the inner corner of the affected eye.

Sharp fragments such as metal or glass may cut or penetrate the eye and become embedded. If this is the case, the person should not attempt to remove the object but cover the eye and seek further help as soon as possible. If you think their eye may be bruised or cut:

1. Advise them to lie on their back. Hold their head to keep it as still as possible.
2. Tell them to try to keep both eyes still, as moving their ‘good’ eye will also move the ‘bad’ eye, which could make it worse.
3. Give them a sterile dressing, or a clean non-fluffy pad to hold over the injured eye.

Signs that someone with an eye injury needs professional medical attention:

• Pain or discomfort in the eye or eyelid
• Reluctance to open the eye
• Watering from the eye
• A visible injury or a bloodshot appearance
• Blurred or loss of vision
• Blood or a clear fluid leaking from a wound in the eye

Want to find out more about first aid?

Heart Medical recently won the 2017 Wakefield New Business of the Year. We offer a range of First Aid courses for the community, including Parent/Grandparent First Aid, Sports First Aid, Essentials of First Aid – all ages and Emergency First Aid. Heart Medical also offers comprehensive Event Medical Services.

Call us to find out more on 01924 272 279 or visit www.heartmedical.org.uk

Heart Medical Serving Communities | Saving Lives

Heart Medical, Spa Street Works, Spa Street, Ossett WF5 0HJ