By James Sullivan

A FIRST aid charity is urging people to be safe ahead of Bonfire Night celebrations.

Volunteers from St John Ambulance will be attending firework events across the county to help keep communities safe. However, private parties will not have the support from the charity where injuries are more likely to occur.

Each year, thousands of people go to hospital for firework-related injuries – but knowing the basic first aid skills can be vital in emergencies.

Dr Lynn Thomas, Medical Director at St John Ambulance, said: “Every year, our highly skilled volunteers keep local communities safe at firework events across the country. Attendees at these events can be reassured that expert help is on hand if they need it.

“For those celebrating at smaller community events, we would urge extreme caution and advise strictly following instructions when handling, lighting and watching fireworks. In those unfortunate instances when someone has a minor injury, knowing what to do and acting fast can prevent further harm and relieve suffering. However, always dial 999 in the case of serious injuries.”

St John Ambulance advises people to place any burns under cold water for at least 10 minutes or call 999 if the burn is to a young child, larger than your hand, on the face, hands or feet or is deep.

For cinders in the eye you should pour clean water into the eyes to wash them out, or if this doesn’t work, try and lift the debris in the eye with the corner of a clean, damp tissue. If his also fails, then it is best to cover the eye with a clean, non-fluffy dressing and take them to hospital.

If anyone inhales smoke, you should move them away from the smoke and ensure they can breathe in fresh air. If their condition doesn’t improve, you must then call 999 or 112.