Firework Burns: Cool for 20 Minutes, St John Ambulance Says

Cool a burn under running water for at least 20 minutes, never rub an eye with something in it, and get anyone who has breathed in smoke into fresh air. That is the core of the first aid advice St John Ambulance has issued ahead of Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night, with a warning that its volunteers cover public displays but cannot be at the garden parties where many sparklers and rockets are lit.

In Bromley the busiest night falls on Saturday 7 November, when Beckenham, Chislehurst, Langley and Bromley High School all hold their displays: the times and ticket prices are in our Bromley fireworks guide. Halloween is a week earlier, and the rest of the half term is in what’s on in Bromley.

Why the charity is raising it now

Sue Hampshire, the charity’s Associate Clinical Director, said:

“St John Ambulance wants everyone to enjoy events such as Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night, but it’s also important to us that people know how to keep themselves, family and friends safe.

“St John Ambulance volunteers regularly provide support at community Diwali and Bonfire Night events across the country, but they are not able to attend private gatherings, so if you’re lighting fireworks, sparklers, candles or bonfires, please take care and follow safety guidance. If someone does get hurt, even slightly, knowing how to respond can make a real difference. And remember, if the injury is serious, always call 999 straight away.”

The charity says the occasions bring families and friends together and that its volunteers “see first-hand how much a little knowledge can help when an accident does happen”.

Burns and scalds

St John Ambulance’s advice if someone is burned:

• Move them away from the heat or danger, if it is safe to do so.
• Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes, as soon as possible.
• Take off jewellery and clothing near the injury, unless it is stuck to the skin.
• After cooling, cover the burn loosely with a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or clean cling film. Do not wrap it tightly around a limb.
• Do not put creams, lotions, butter or anything else on the burn.
• Do not burst blisters or remove damaged skin.
• Keep the person warm, without covering the burn.

Get medical advice for deep or large burns, burns to the face, hands, feet, genitals or major joints, burns in young children, or whenever you are worried about the person. Call 999 for severe or life-threatening burns: extensive or deep damage, a serious facial injury, difficulty breathing or another serious injury.

Something in the eye

Fireworks can throw debris into an eye or cause worse injuries. The charity says:

• Tell the person not to rub the eye.
• If the object is loose, gently rinse the eye with clean water, for up to 20 minutes if a chemical is involved.
• Let them blink naturally rather than try to pick the object out.
• Never try to remove anything embedded in the eye, and do not press on it.
• If something is embedded, the eye has been hit by a firework or another fast-moving object, or there is severe pain or any loss or change of vision, get urgent medical help. If it looks serious, call 999.

Smoke inhalation

Smoke from bonfires and fireworks can irritate the airways and sometimes cause serious harm. If someone has breathed in smoke:

• Move them into fresh air, away from the smoke, if it is safe.
• Keep them calm and let them sit or stand however is comfortable, especially if they are struggling to breathe.
• Watch their breathing and how responsive they are.
• Call 999 if they have difficulty breathing, become confused, drowsy or unresponsive, or develop a persistent cough, or if you suspect they have breathed in a lot of smoke.
• If they become unresponsive and are not breathing normally, call 999 and start CPR, following the call handler’s instructions.

What it means for you

If you are having fireworks, sparklers or a bonfire at home, St John Ambulance asks you to:

• follow the manufacturer’s instructions on fireworks, sparklers and other products;
• keep children supervised around fireworks, flames and candles;
• keep a safe distance from fireworks and bonfires;
• never go back to a firework once it has been lit, or if it has failed to go off;
• have first aid supplies and clean running water to hand;
• make sure everyone knows where to go if there is a fire or other emergency.

The simplest way to avoid lighting your own is to go to one of the borough’s organised displays on 7 November, listed in our fireworks guide.