St John Ambulance is urging the public to stay safe and be prepared with first aid knowledge during autumn celebrations.
As communities prepare for Halloween, Diwali and Bonfire Night, St John Ambulance has shared simple first aid advice to help prevent injuries and respond to emergencies.
These celebrations often involve fireworks, bonfires and candles, which can lead to accidents if not handled carefully.
Sue Hampshire, associate clinical director at St John Ambulance, said: "St John Ambulance wants everyone to enjoy events such as Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night, but it’s also important to us that people know how to keep themselves, family and friends safe.
"St John Ambulance volunteers regularly provide support at community Diwali and Bonfire Night events across the country, but they are not able to attend private gatherings, so if you’re lighting fireworks, sparklers, candles or bonfires, please take care and follow safety guidance.
"If someone does get hurt, even slightly, knowing how to respond can make a real difference.
"And remember—if the injury is serious, always call 999 straight away."
St John Ambulance recommends moving the person away from the source of heat and cooling the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes.
Jewellery and clothing near the injury should be removed unless stuck to the skin, and the burn should be loosely covered with a sterile, non-fluffy dressing or clean cling film.
Creams, lotions and other substances should not be applied to the burn, and blisters should not be burst.
Medical advice should be sought for serious burns—particularly those that are deep, extensive, or involve the face, hands, feet, genitals, major joints, or young children.
In cases of severe or life-threatening burns, including those with difficulty breathing or major injury, 999 should be called immediately.
Eye injuries can also occur from fireworks and debris.
If something enters the eye, the person should avoid rubbing it.
If the object is loose and not embedded, gently rinsing the eye with clean water may help.
People should be encouraged to blink naturally rather than trying to remove the object themselves.
Anything embedded in or penetrating the eye should not be removed, and pressure should not be applied directly to the eye.
Urgent medical attention is required for embedded objects, injuries from fireworks, significant pain, or vision changes.
Smoke inhalation is another risk associated with bonfires and fireworks.
Anyone affected should be moved to fresh air if safe to do so, kept calm, and allowed to sit in a comfortable position.
Breathing and responsiveness should be closely monitored.
999 should be called if the person has difficulty breathing, becomes confused or unresponsive, develops a persistent cough, or shows other concerning symptoms.
If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, CPR should be started following the emergency call handler’s instructions.
St John Ambulance also shared general safety tips to help prevent accidents.
These include following manufacturer’s instructions for fireworks and sparklers, supervising children around flames and fireworks, keeping a safe distance from bonfires and fireworks, and never returning to a firework that has been lit or failed to ignite.
It is also advised to have first aid supplies and access to clean running water available, and to make sure everyone knows where to go in case of a fire or other emergency.
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