First aid for firework-related burns
Keep your celebrations fun and stress-free with our British Red Cross first-aid tips on treating firework burns
The latest social distancing rules mean that many of us are planning our own Bonfire night and Diwali celebrations at home this year.
But there are still lots of ways to make this 5 November one to remember: hot chocolate and marshmallows in the back garden, crackling fires and crisp air.
It can be a lot of fun to dress up warm and go ‘Ooo’ and ‘Ahh’ at the night sky. Firework after firework can light up the darkness with an almighty bang.
There's a common risk that comes from celebrating with fireworks – burns.
Have no fear. We've got some expert First Aid tips on how to treat burns, so that you have a safe and enjoyable celebration in 2020.
Using sparklers?
Everyone loves a sparkler, whatever their age.
Watching the flames dance and hearing them crackle is all good fun... unless someone burns themselves.
We’ve all done it, picked up a used sparkler and realised that it's still scalding hot. Ouch.
What should you do?
There are lots of myths out there about how to deal with a burn, but running the burn under cold running water is still the best way.
Here’s how.
First aid for a burn
1. Cool the burn under cold running water for at least ten minutes.
Cooling the burn will reduce pain, swelling and the risk of scarring. The faster and longer a burn is cooled, the less the impact of the injury.
2. After the burn has been cooled, cover it with cling film or a clean plastic bag.
This helps prevent infection by keeping the area clean. Cling film or plastic bags provide an ideal covering because they don’t stick to the burn and reduce pain by keeping air from the skin’s surface.
3. Call 999 if necessary.
The burn may need urgent medical treatment. Always seek medical advice for a baby or child that has been burned.
What if they are burnt through gloves?
If someone is burnt through gloves (or other clothing) don’t try to take off the glove if it is stuck to the burn. This could cause more damage.
Instead, cool the burn through the glove with cold running water for at least ten minutes and seek urgent medical treatment. If the glove is not stuck to the burn, you can take it off.
I don’t have immediate access to running water. What should I do?
You can use any cold liquid like juice, beer or milk – the aim is to cool the area as quickly as possible using whatever cold liquid is available. Switch to cold running water as soon as you can.
Have a safe and happy night!
- Get first aid advice at your fingertips with our free First Aid app
- Learn everyday first aid online
