Bonfire Night is nearly here. Across North Wales, there’ll be fireworks lighting up the sky, bonfires roaring away and children waving sparklers around in the dark.
It’s a great time of year, but it also comes with some fairly predictable accidents.
A sparkler held a little too long, someone standing too close to a bonfire, or a firework that doesn’t behave quite as expected. Burns can happen in seconds, and knowing what to do immediately can make a real difference.
The good news? Burns first aid is relatively straightforward. But there are still plenty of myths about how to treat them.
First things first: cool the burn for 20 minutes
If you remember just one thing from this article, make it this:
Cool a burn under cool running water for 20 minutes.
Not two minutes. Not five. A full 20 minutes.
It’s one of the most important things you can do to reduce the damage caused by a burn.
Start cooling as soon as possible, ideally immediately after the injury. Cooling can still be beneficial if started within three hours.
While cooling the burn, carefully remove any jewellery, watches or loose clothing from around the affected area before swelling starts. Don’t try to remove anything that’s stuck to the skin.
And because it’s November, remember to keep the rest of the casualty warm while cooling the affected area.
Please don’t put butter on it!
It’s surprising how many old-fashioned burns remedies are still doing the rounds.
Butter, toothpaste, cooking oil and even ice are sometimes suggested as treatments. None of them belongs on a fresh burn.
Here’s what to avoid:
- Butter and oils: These can make things worse and aren’t appropriate burn treatments.
- Toothpaste: It’s designed for teeth, not damaged skin.
- Ice: This can cause further injury to already damaged tissue.
- Creams and lotions: Don’t apply these during initial first aid.
- Popping blisters: Leave them intact to reduce the risk of infection.
Stick to cool running water. It’s simple, readily available and effective.
What about cling film?
This one often surprises people on our first aid courses.
Ordinary kitchen cling film can be useful for protecting a burn after it’s been cooled.
Lay it loosely over the affected area. Don’t wrap it tightly around an arm, leg or finger, as swelling may occur.
For a burn to the hand, a clean plastic bag can also be used.
Cling film provides a temporary protective covering while appropriate medical advice or treatment is arranged.
Sparklers deserve more respect than they get
Sparklers might seem like the harmless part of Bonfire Night, particularly compared with large fireworks.
But they’re still burning metal sticks, and they can cause painful injuries.
A few simple precautions can help:
- Always supervise children using sparklers.
- Keep sparklers away from clothing, faces and other people.
- Wear gloves when handling them.
- Never give sparklers to children under five.
- Place used sparklers straight into a bucket of water, as they remain hot after going out.
And remember, just because a sparkler has stopped sparkling doesn’t mean it’s safe to touch.
When does a burn need medical attention?
Not every small burn requires an ambulance, but it’s important to recognise when professional help is needed.
Call 999 for a serious burn, particularly if someone is having difficulty breathing or has other life-threatening injuries.
Go to A&E for burns that are large, deep or affect sensitive areas such as the face or genitals, or for electrical or chemical burns.
Children’s burns should always be assessed by a healthcare professional, even when they initially appear minor.
If you’re unsure what to do, contact NHS 111 Wales for advice.
What if someone’s clothing catches fire?
It’s something nobody wants to witness, but it’s worth knowing what to do.
Remember Stop, Drop and Roll.
Stop the person from running, help them get down onto the ground and roll them to extinguish the flames. Use water or a suitable fire blanket if available and safe.
Once the flames are out, begin cooling the burns and arrange emergency assistance.
Above all, don’t put yourself in danger while trying to help.
First aid isn’t just for Bonfire Night
Although fireworks and bonfires make burns particularly relevant in November, these injuries can happen anywhere.
Hot drinks in the office, boiling water in a kitchen, contact with machinery or accidental contact with hot surfaces are all familiar causes.
Knowing how to respond is something everyone can benefit from, whether at home or at work.
At North Wales First Aid, our courses are practical, relaxed and focused on giving people the confidence to deal with real emergencies.
We cover burns and scalds alongside other common first aid situations, giving you the opportunity to practise what you’ve learned rather than simply listening to someone talk about it.
If you’d like to improve your first aid knowledge, take a look at our upcoming courses across North Wales.
Enjoy Bonfire Night, stay safe, and remember: cool running water for 20 minutes.
It’s one piece of first aid advice that’s well worth remembering.
