Staying Safe on Firework Night

Introduction:

Welcome to the Staying Alive blog, your trusted source for first aid and safety information. As the colourful explosion of fireworks lights up the night sky, there’s no denying the magic and excitement of Firework Night. However, along with the festivities, it’s crucial to prioritise safety for both the young and old; Staying Alive, your trusted first aid training company based in Hertfordshire want to ensure you have a fantastic time, while staying safe during the fun.

In this blog post, we will discuss safety at firework displays, sparkler safety, and provide valuable first aid tips and advice for burns and eye injuries. Whether you’re in Hertfordshire or anywhere else, these tips will help you celebrate the night in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Firework Display Safety:

1. Attend Organised Displays: Whenever possible, attend professionally organised firework displays. These events are supervised by experts and follow strict safety guidelines.
2. Keep a Safe Distance: If you’re hosting your own display, make sure spectators are a safe distance away from the fireworks. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the viewing area.
3. Designate a Safety Zone: Create a designated safety zone where fireworks are lit and ensure no one enters this area during the display.
4. Always Follow Instructions: Carefully read and follow the instructions on the firework packaging. Never modify or attempt to relight a “dud.”

Sparkler Safety:

1. Supervise Children: Never leave children unattended with sparklers. They burn at high temperatures and can cause burns if mishandled.
2. Hold at Arm’s Length: When using sparklers, hold them at arm’s length, away from your body and face. Placing a sparkler into a carrot, provides a good handle for small hands and increases the distance between the child’s hand and the sparkler.
3. Use Gloves: Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands from potential sparks and heat.
4. Have a Bucket of Water: Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby to quickly extinguish sparklers once they are finished.

First Aid Tips for Burns:

1. Cool the Burn: For minor burns, immediately run cool water over the affected area for at least 20 minutes to reduce pain and prevent further damage.
2. Protect the Area: Cover the burn once cooled fully with a clean, non-stick bandage or plastic wrap to prevent infection.
3. Avoid Ice or Adhesives: Do not use ice or adhesive bandages on burns, as they can worsen the injury.
4. Seek Medical Help: For severe burns, burns on the face, hands, feet, or genitals, and burns caused by chemicals or electricity, seek immediate medical attention.

First Aid Tips for Eye Injuries:

1. Do Not Rub the Eye: If an object is stuck in the eye, do not rub it. This can cause more damage.
2. Flush the Eye: Rinse the eye gently with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes. Hold the eyelid open to ensure thorough flushing. Do not flush the eye if the object is stuck to the eye or embedded.
3. Do Not Remove Embedded Objects: If an object is embedded in the eye, do not attempt to remove it. Cover both eyes with a clean bandage or cloth and seek immediate medical help.

Conclusion:

Firework Night is a beautiful and fun celebration, but safety should always be a top priority. Whether you’re in Hertfordshire or anywhere else, following these safety guidelines and first aid tips can make your Firework Night memorable for all the right reasons. Have a safe and enjoyable evening, and remember that Staying Alive is here to help with your first aid and safety needs.