Launch of essentialfirst aid advice for Bonfire night

St John Ambulance volunteers will be attending more than 25 firework events across the county so that anyone who needs first aid gets it quickly. However, injuries are much more likely to occur at private parties, where trained volunteers won’t be on hand to help.

Every year, around 1,000 people will visit A&E for treatment of a firework-related injury in the four weeks around November 5. But with some basic first aid skills, everyone can be prepared to help in a firework first aid emergency.

James Fitzgerald, south east region events manager, said: “Our volunteers will be on hand to provide expert first aid assistance at hundreds of displays this year but if you are organising a private event, you need to know what to do if there is a first aid emergency.

“Research suggests that fewer than one in five (18 per cent) of us knows even basic first aid, yet these are simple skills to learn which can have an incredible impact.

“For example, if someone suffers a burn injury, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent them from going into shock or suffering long-term damage.

“No one should suffer from a lack of first aid, which is why we have put together our Firework Fan’s First Aid Guide.”

For first aid information visit: www.sja.org.uk/bonfire for firework first aid tips, download the free St John Ambulance first aid app (available for iPhone and Android devices) or visit sja.org.uk for general advice and to find a first aid course near you.