Some simple advice on Bonfire Night
BUT
We predict that this year, around 500 children and their families will join the growing number of people who will remember this night for all the wrong reasons.
They will have been injured as a result of a burns accident with fireworks. Despite the Fireworks Code being widely publicised and adopted by many, too many incidents still happen year after year.
The vast majority of injuries are to the eyes, head or hands, or a combination of one or more of these. So children will have visible burns scars for life.
Most injuries happen at private or family displays, followed by incidents in the street or other public places, and finally in public displays.
Rocket, air bomb and sparkler incidents are the most common.
Let’s get one thing straight from the outset though: this isn't health and safety ‘gone mad’. Serious burns and related injuries are the reality for many people, and children are especially at risk.
Unfortunately though, people will get injured this week, and accident and emergency
departments always brace themselves for burn accidents.
Treatment of Burns:
Source - Remove the heat source if possible. This might be done by the casualty as a reflex reaction, or might involve actions such as a casualty 'dropping and rolling' if clothes are on fire.
Cool - Cool the burn, ideally under cold running water, for at least 10 minutes (20 for a chemical burn).
Ambulance - Call an ambulance while cooling is taking place if the burn is severe.
Loose Objects - Remove loose objects only. Do not remove anything that is stuck to or touching the burn, such as clothing as this is likely to cause damage to the skin.
Dressing - Dress the burn using a clean, non fluffy dressing. Do not use anything that will stick to the burn such as a towel. If you do not have burn dressings, cling film or a clean plastic bag will make good substitutes.
Shock - Look out for signs of and treat hypovolaemic shock, which might be caused by fluid loss.
Do not apply any lotions, oils or fats.
Do not remove anything that is sticking to the burn.
Do not burst blisters.
Stay safe and enjoy the night from all at Exemplo Training Solutions
