You might not expect a First Aid Instructor to encourage you to go out on a dark, cold and probably wet night in order to spend time in close proximity to a large fire and some explosives. But November 5th is one of my favourite nights of the year.
My job isn’t about telling people not to do exciting things, it’s about helping them to get the most out of life, safely. Bonfire night is a great opportunity to have fun with family and friends and a rare chance to experience natural outdoor spaces at night.
In this post, I’ll share 3 simple tools: Essential Bonfire Night Kit, Essential Firework Safety and Burns Essentials. Together these checklists and memory aid can make the difference between a Bonfire Night to remember and one you would rather forget.
Bonfire Night in Cornwall
Cornwall is an awesome place to celebrate Bonfire Night. Here in Kernow we are blessed with some of the least light-polluted skies in the UK. So on a clear dark night, you won’t just spot stars whilst waiting for the fireworks, but entire constellations. Bodmin Moor is already a designated International Dark Sky Landscape and West Cornwall has applied to follow suit. Combine this natural darkness with the dramatic backdrop of a rugged coastline or wild moorland you’ll enjoy one of the most spectacular pyrotechnic shows anywhere on earth.
Why wouldn’t you get out there and enjoy it?
Well, as we have all been taught since childhood, Bonfire Night can be extremely dangerous. You now have to be 18 years old to buy fireworks, and the days of picking up a couple of rockets and a packet of sparklers at the local newsagents are long gone. Anyone who remembers the “never return to a lit firework” ad campaigns of the 80s knows all too well that “even a sparkler can be dangerous”. Add the increased risk of hypothermia, falls and even heart attack to the exploding fireworks and bonfire and you might decide to stay indoors on November 5th.
Don’t miss out, but do be prepared
If you suffer from heart problems, bronchitis or severe asthma it’s sensible to enjoy the fireworks from indoors. But if you are planning to enjoy the atmosphere out in the night air you’ll enjoy Bonfire Night a lot more if you and your friends and family are safe and comfortable.
TOOL 1: Your Essential Bonfire Night Kit Checklist
Don’t leave the house without:
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A warm waterproof jacket with hood
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Waterproof boots and thick socks
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A torch – the one on your phone will do
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A phone – dial 999 or 112 in the case of an emergency. 999 works all over the UK and if you’re celebrating abroad 112 connects you with an English speaker wherever you are in Europe
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Ear defenders for young children
Recognise potential dangers
Avoiding serious injury on Bonfire Night is mainly common sense, but the weather can play some nasty tricks that can catch out even the most experienced pyrotechnicians. Cornwall is infamous for its extreme and changeable weather and when challenging conditions are combined with darkness, crowds, fire and explosives things can go badly wrong.
TOOL 2: Your Firework Essentials Checklist
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Check what’s on the bonfire and if in doubt refer to Environmental Protection UK. You should only burn dry material; never household rubbish, rubber tyres or anything containing plastic, foam or paint. Keep your fire away from trees, fences and buildings and never use oil, petrol or methylated spirits to light a fire. Finally, never leave a fire unattended or leave it to smoulder – put it out.
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Check the wind strength and direction – a strong wind can blow fireworks off course and towards trees, buildings, electrical and telegraph wires and people. Bonfire flames will also be fanned and directed by the wind so make sure you’d still be far enough away if the wind direction changed
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Always stay behind cordoned areas at organised displays and set up your own at home bonfire and firework displays
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Wear lots of warm layers topped with waterproofs. Standing in a field for hours on a dark November night is no fun at all if you’re becoming hypothermic
Recognising and treating burns quickly
Knowing what to do when someone is burnt is a skill for life. We all suffer burns from time to time, but how can you tell if a burn needs medical attention, and what should you do until help arrives?
TOOL 3: SCALD memory aid
Remember SCALD to diagnose the severity of a burn quickly.
SIZE: If a burn is larger than the patient’s palm they need hospital treatment.
CAUSE: On Bonfire night this is likely to be a flame or explosive – a burn sustained from heat.
AGE: Children and elderly people have thinner skin, making even smaller burns more serious.
LOCATION: If the burn is on the face or especially the mouth there is a risk that they have inhaled the flame, damaging the inside of the mouth or throat. This could affect their breathing so you should call 999 immediately.
DEPTH: Burns are described as superficial, partial or full. Full burns and partial burns need professional treatment. If you are unsure, look for raw tissue and blistering. If these are present call 999. Superficial burns are like those you may have suffered from a hot pan in the kitchen, they are painful but only affect the top few layers of skin and if they are small can be treated at home.
Treating burns
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Put under cold water immediately and for at least 15 minutes
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Wrap burns in clingfilm NOT fluffy cotton-based dressings
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Use SCALD to decide whether or not to call 999. If in doubt, make the call.
Bonfire Night is a fantastic occasion for all the family.
Stay safe, look after each other and enjoy!
