From burns to smoke inhalation and eye injuries – the first aid every parent NEEDS to know this Bonfire Night

BONFIRE Night is this weekend and while you’re getting the sparklers and jacket potatoes ready, you also need to make sure that you’re up-to-scratch on your basic first aid skills.

Thousands of people end up in A&E every year with a firework-related injury.

These injuries are more likely to happen at private parties where profession first aiders aren’t around.

That means not only are accidents more likely to happen in the first place, but it’ll take you a lot longer to receive help.

But with some very basic first aid skills, you can make sure everyone’s safe:

If someone’s got a burn or scald:

• Move the person away from the heat
• Place the burn or scald under cool running water for 10 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 to prevent infection
• Don’t burst blisters
• Monitor and treat for shock if necessary
• Tell them to seek medical advice

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

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.

Alan Weir, Head of Clinical Operations at St John Ambulance, said: “We urge everyone to be very careful and follow the instructions when handling, lighting and watching fireworks but in those unfortunate instances where something does happen, there are a few handy tips to help deal with minor injuries should they occur.

“Every year, our highly-skilled volunteers are asked to provide first aid cover for members of the public who want to celebrate Bonfire Night at major events in their communities. Attendees at these events can be reassured that help is on hand if they need it.

“We’d urge people holding their own private fireworks parties to have a look at the first aid advice section of our website.

“Please learn these simple techniques and share them widely with family and friends so that everyone can be as safe as possible whilst they celebrate.”

Before you get the party started, download the St John Ambulance app for free, or for demo videos, interactive games and lots of free advice.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours