Red Cross Blogs

First aid tips for Bonfire Night

By Brad Smith
November 2, 2009 at 11:28 am

Here’s a few first aid tips for you to remember, remember on the 5th of November (and beyond). It’s worth baring these in mind as you get set to have fun this Thursday and beyond – particularly as more children then adults are hurt each year in Bonfire Night related incidents.

A common firework-related injury to be on the lookout for are burns. Simply cool the affected area for at least 10 minutes will cold water. Severe cases – including all those involving children, or burns that are larger than one per cent of the casualty’s body (top tip – the palm of their hand equals one per cent) should go to hospital. If in doubt, get them to hospital anyway. This video shows you how to treat burns.

What are good sources of cold water? Well, in the garden, I’m sure many of you will have hose pipes. You should have a bucket of water on standby too. But if you’re out and about at a fireworks display, a cold drink will do until a better source can be sought, as my blogging colleague Mark noted on his first aid tip laden story on the British Red Cross website.

If you are sampling the delights of fireworks at an organised event, then they should be supported by some event first aid cover. If you do get hurt, go and seek the help of the experts.

Burns aren’t the only thing that can happen when watching fireworks, though, so it pays to be prepared. Have a first aid kit and warm blankets on standby – in case people start feeling cold – and enjoy the show!

Fireworks image © James Jordan

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Tags: bonfire night, event first aid, fireworks, First aid, first aid tips, safety advice

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