STAY SAFE AND BE AWARE OF FIRST AID THIS BONFIRE NIGHT IN SOUTH EAST WALES  

5th November 2010 

Speaking ahead of tonight’s displays and celebrations to mark Bonfire night, William Graham AM urged residents of South Wales East to stay safe and be aware of basic first aid knowledge:

‘There are many exciting displays going on this evening and weekend in South East Wales to mark Bonfire Night – such as the spectacular free event at Caerphilly Castle tomorrow evening.’

‘When I visited the offices of the British Red Cross in Newport this week, staff impressed upon me the importance of basic first aid knowledge. Most firework-related injuries happen at family or private parties so when accidents occur it is important to be prepared. With this is mind I would urge people to take time to consider the Red Cross’s basic advice in case of Bonfire and burn-related accidents entitled ‘SPARKLE’:

•Scorched, singed and sizzling! That’s what someone’s skin will be doing if they come into contact with the hot and sparkly bit. Just to add to the ‘ssssssss’ there will probably be screams as well!

•Put the burned area under cold running water as soon as possible for at least 10 minutes - yes 10 minutes! This will stop the ‘cooking’ effect

•Any cold liquid will do if you do not have access to water. For example a glass of squash or a cold beer – oh come on, there’s plenty more!

•Refrain from putting any lotions, creams, butter or oils on the burn, they will not help the situation and may cause more pain if they have to be removed later on

•Keep calm! Especially if helping someone else – panicking will get you nowhere

•Loosely wrap cling film around the burn, or use a clean plastic bag, to protect the area from infection.

•Every child that receives a burn should be checked over by a medical professional. For adults, seek medical advice if you are overly concerned

•Remember, remember the 5th of November….. is a time to have fun and enjoy yourself. To ensure that your fireworks night goes off with a bang, brush up on your first aid skills at www.redcross.org.uk/firstaid so that everyone is safe.

ENDS.