First aid charity, St John Ambulance, is urging everyone to learn some basic first aid skills ahead of the Bonfire Night celebrations.

St John Ambulance volunteers will be attending firework events across Somerset so that anyone who needs first 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.

Statistics show that thousands of people will visit A&E every year for treatment of a firework-related injury. But with some basic first aid skills, everyone can be prepared to help in a firework first aid emergency.

Adam Williams, operations manager for St John Ambulance, said: “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. However, we also want to provide families having bonfire parties at home with a few handy tips so that they can deal with minor injuries should they unfortunately occur.”

“Further information can be found in 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 at their own private fireworks parties.”

Firework First Aid:

If someone’s got a burn or scald, move the person away from the heat, and place the burn or scald under cool running water for ten 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, then cover the burn loosely, lengthways, with kitchen film to prevent infection. It is important not to burst blisters, and to monitor and treat for shock if necessary.

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.

For more information on St John Ambulance’s work, including how to become a volunteer or make a donation to the charity, and details of training for the public, schools and businesses, visit: www.sja.org.uk or call: 08700 104950.