How to Stay Safe this Bonfire Night

Bonfire Night can be a fun time for kids but before you send your little ones out to enjoy the fireworks, be sure they're prepared for a safe and fun evening. Here are some tips on how you can prevent accidents and make happy memories.

It is always safest to go to a public fireworks display. If you are planning to hold a fireworks party at home, keep children and animals away and make sure you buy fireworks with CE mark and read the instructions with a torch rather than a naked flame. Make sure you are prepared with plenty of water, fire blanket, bucket of sand, and your First Aid Kit.

Sparklers are fun but they are not a toy and can get extremely hot so always light one at a time and wear gloves - they are not suitable for children under 5.

Hold them at arm’s length and don’t wave close to other people.

When the sparkler has finished put in a bucket of water or sand.

If someone does get burnt follow these guidelines:

• Hold the affected area under cool, running water for at least 20 minutes

• Cool the burn and keep the person warm – look out for signs of shock.

• Remove any loose clothing and jewellery as soon as possible. NEVER remove anything that has stuck to a burn.

• If a child is burnt and the area is blistered and larger than a 50p piece; phone for an ambulance.

• Once the burn has been cooled it can be loosely covered with cling film or inserted into a sterile plastic bag if appropriate –alternatively

• Keep running it under water until the paramedic arrives.

If clothing is on fire:

• Remember: stop, drop, wrap and roll.

• Keep everyone as calm as possible. Try to prevent the casualty from panicking or running – as any movement or breeze will fan

• the flames and make things worse.

• Help the casualty drop to the ground and wrap them in a coat, blanket or rug to smother the flames.

If clothing has caught fire it is more than likely that the burn will be severe.

Start cooling the burn immediately under cool running water, use a shower if the burns are large, but keep looking for signs of shock and be ready to treat it. 

Keep cooling the burn while waiting for professional help to arrive. Keep areas that are not burnt as warm and dry as possible to try and retain their body heat. 

Get medical help fast. Instruct a helper to dial 999 for an ambulance.

Whilst cooling, remove any constricting items such as jewellery or clothing from the affected area unless they are stuck to the burn. In terms of dressing the burn and keep it simple with water and clingfilm rather than using any lotions or adhesive dressings.

Children as young as 7 can learn basic First Aid so why don’t you and them learn this important life skill contact daisyfirstaid.com to find your nearest trainer.