Are you celebrating Bonfire Night at home this year? If so, make sure you read this blog first – it is predicted that this year 500 children and their families will join the growing number of people who will remember Bonfire Night for the wrong reasons...

Here are the facts:

  • Over 550 children under 16 are taken to A&E in the 4 weeks surrounding Bonfire Night alone
  • Most injuries happen at private or family displays
  • The vast majority of firework burn injuries are to the eyes, head or hands, meaning children will have visible scars for life
  • Rocket, air bomb and sparkler incidents are the most common

 

Real life story: Rosie-May

“In a flash ALL our lives were changed, the laughter and happiness of the children instantly became fear...”

4-year old Rosie-May was hit by a firework that went astray at a home display, on Bonfire Night in 2017. One of the multi-shot fireworks went the wrong way and hit poor Rosie-May in the neck, setting her coat on fire. She was rushed to a specialist burns unit, and had to endure 5 weeks in hospital. Her mum and dad are working with the Children’s Burns Trust to raise awareness so that no other family has to go through what they went through.

 

Ideally, attend an organised firework display, but if you decide to host your own, here’s how to stay safe:

  • Only buy fireworks carrying the CE or UKCA mark which means they have been safety checked.
  • Make sure you have a torch handy for reading instructions.
  • Only adults should set up, light and dispose of fireworks - children should not handle fireworks, tapers or matches. Have a chat with them before the display about why it is unsafe for them to touch or stand too close.
  • Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. Discuss beforehand who will be in charge of your display.
  • Keep naked flames well away from fireworks. This includes cigarettes.
  • Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back.
  • Make sure your audience is stood well back from the display - the firework instructions should tell you how far back people need to stand.
  • Ensure the fire is out and the surroundings are made safe before leaving.


Would you know what to do if clothing caught fire on a sparkler, firework or bonfire? 

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[Image credit: National Fire Prevention Agency]

If clothes do catch on a flame, don’t panic – STOP, DROP, and ROLL:

  • STOP what you are doing.
  • DROP to the ground and cover your face with your hands.
  • ROLL over and over to put out the flames.

The instinct is to run. So, before your fireworks celebrations, encourage children to practice stopping, dropping to the ground, covering their face with their hands, and rolling over a few times to put out the pretend flames. 


And what about sparkler safety?

  • Do not give sparklers to under-5s - after all a sparkler can reach temperatures 20 times that of boiling water. Instead, stand back and show them the beautiful patterns you can make with your sparkler!
  • Make sure everyone handling sparklers is wearing a pair of gloves.
  • Hold sparklers at arm's length and a sensible distance away from others.
  • Never hold a baby in your arms whilst holding a lit sparkler.
  • Have a bucket of cold water to hand to put the finished sparkler in, hot end down – the metal stays super hot even once the sparkle has stopped.

 

We all know that even when taking precautions, accidents can happen. If anyone suffers a burn:

  • As quickly as possible, cool the burn using running cool water for 20 minutes – this will feel very uncomfortable , especially for a child but is the best way to avoid long term burn damage.
  • Remove any clothing and jewellery near the burn, unless it is melted or firmly stuck to the wound.
  • Cover the wound with cling film or a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or cloth and make sure the patient is kept warm.
  • Call 999 or 111 if necessary - for burns larger than a 50p coin, it is essential you call 999 or visit A&E.

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We hope you have fun whatever you decide to do to celebrate Bonfire Night, but please do stay safe folks!

The Mini First Aid Team x

 

Sources: RoSPA, Children’s Burns Trust, Child Accident Prevention Trust 
Image: Getty Images

Be ready for ‘what-if’ moments - at home or on the move

Did you know both our Mini First Aid Kit and Family First Aid Kit contain burn gel, plus a handy QR code linking you straight to our expert video guides? You’ll get both kits in our great value Home & Away Bundle — perfect for keeping one in the car and one at home. Make sure you’re prepared this Bonfire Night (and beyond)!

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