Staying Safe during Dark Nights, Celebrations and Significant Events
Remember, remember the 5th of November. It’s time for bonfire night and firework displays!
Furthermore, British Summer Time ended and the clocks went back on the 26th October, meaning darker evenings.
These are all fantastic events to get together with friends, family and the wider community.
As always in the world of first aid, prevention is better than intervention. Here are a few simple steps to keep safe during the Autumn / Winter season.
Fancy Dress Costumes:
Dressing up is fun! FACT! Just remember that not all clothing is manufactured to the same safety standards. Fancy dress costumes are highly flammable. Check clothing labels a UKCA or CE mark. It means they have undergone additional fire safety testing and should burn more slowly if they catch fire.
On Bonfire / Fireworks night - take the ‘wrap up’ not ‘dress up’ approach
Teach children and young people (and in fact everyone!) the stop, drop, roll approach - should any clothing catch fire. I know that this is unthinkable - but should the worst happen, this will quickly help extinguish the flames, and stop the burning process, before first aid treatment can be applied.
First Aid for Burns:
Simply put - cool the area with running water for at least 20 mins.
After cooling, gently drape cling film over the burn. Do not wrap around the affected area. This helps relieve pain and helps prevent infection.
Remove any clothing near the burn - but do not remove any clothing which is stuck to the burn.
Keep the person warm - particularly of the burn is covering a large surface area of the body. Use blankets or coats to keep the rest of them warm.
Treat the pain - with paracetamol or ibuprofen, following the instruction on the packaging or by seeking medical advice.
Go to A & E if:
You are worried
The burn is large - the Children’s burn Trust recommend that any burn larger the the size of a 50 pence piece requires medical attention
The burn is to the face, hands, feet, joints or genitals
The burn has been caused by a chemical or electric source
There are other injuries
There are signs of shock
Button Batteries:
Many lights, toys and household items contain button batteries. If swallowed / ingested and remain stuck in the digestive tract - button batteries contain chemicals which react with the body’s fluids (such as saliva), releasing caustic soda which results in tissue damage. If you believe a child (or anyone!) has swallowed a button battery - call 999 or take them to A & E immediately. Do not give them anything to eat or drink.