First aid tips for Bonfire Night

Hundreds of volunteers for the first aid charity will be attending events across the region so anyone who needs first aid gets it quickly.

Regional director Simon Dunn, said: “We’re is keen that people enjoy Bonfire Night but don’t end their celebrations in hospital.

“Research suggests that fewer than one in five of us knows even basic first aid, yet these are simple skills to learn which can have an incredible impact.”

Below are some of the charity’s tips for staying safe:

If someone has a burn or scald:

- Run it under cold water for at least 10 minutes. You need to completely cool their skin to prevent pain, scarring or further damage

- If the burn is on a child, or if you think it’s a serious burn call for an ambulance

- Remove any jewellery or clothing near the burn (unless they’re stuck to it)

- Don’t pop any blisters or apply creams — this can make it worse

- Once cooled, cover the burn with cling film or a plastic bag

- If necessary, treat them for shock, by laying them down with their legs raised and supported above the level of their heart

Debris in the eye

If someone has 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

Smoke inhalation

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.

Click here to download the free St John Ambulance first aid app.

(Link: http://www.sja.org.uk/sja/support-us/the-difference/helpless/mobile-phone-app.aspx)