Stay safe on Bonfire Night with these First Aid tips

November 5th marks Bonfire Night, also known as Guy Fawkes Night, in the UK. This annual celebration often involves a lot of smoke, fire, and explosive firework displays.

Naturally, there are dangers associated with open flames, fireworks, sparklers and other activities involved in the festivities. In this blog, Imperative Training talks you through some of the main dangers and how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this Bonfire Night.

Bonfire safety

A bonfire is the centrepiece of many Guy Fawkes Night events, but there are numerous risks involved, from fire spreading to smoke inhalation.

• Position the Bonfire Safely: Ensure the bonfire is at least 18 metres away from houses, sheds, trees, and other flammable objects. It’s important to account for wind direction to avoid smoke blowing towards crowds or homes.
• Never Use Flammable Liquids: Don’t use petrol, paraffin, or other accelerants to start or fuel the fire. These can lead to uncontrollable flames.
• Supervise the Fire at All Times: Never leave a bonfire unattended, and have buckets of water or a hose nearby in case the fire spreads.
• Extinguish the Fire Properly: At the end of the night, ensure the bonfire is fully extinguished. Pour water over it and stir the ashes to make sure no hidden embers remain.

Firework safety

Fireworks are one of the biggest attractions on Bonfire Night, but they can also be dangerous if not handled correctly. The explosive nature of the displays has the nature to cause serious damage or harm.

• Buy from Licensed Sellers: Always purchase fireworks from reputable, licensed sellers. Ensure they conform to British safety standards (marked with BS 7114).
• Follow the Instructions: Read and follow all instructions on fireworks packaging carefully. Make sure you know how to safely light and handle them.
• Stand Back: After lighting a firework, always stand well back and never return to a lit firework, even if it fails to go off. It could still explode unexpectedly.
• Never Carry Fireworks in Your Pocket: Fireworks can ignite due to friction or accidental contact, so always keep them stored safely.
• Supervise Children: Children should never be allowed to handle or light fireworks. Ensure they watch from a safe distance and understand the dangers.

Sparkler safety

Sparklers are a fun part of Bonfire Night but can be deceivingly dangerous, as they burn at extremely high temperatures.

• Wear Gloves: Always wear gloves when holding sparklers to protect your hands from burns.
• Keep at Arm’s Length: Hold sparklers away from your body and ensure others are at a safe distance.
• Dispose of Them Safely: main hot for a while after use.
• Supervision is Key: Children under five should not handle sparklers. Older children should be closely supervised to ensure they use them safely.

Treating burns or injuries

Despite all precautions, accidents can happen. Being prepared with basic first aid knowledge can make a significant difference.

• Burns: If someone gets burned, cool the burn with running water for at least 20 minutes, then cover it with a clean, non-fluffy dressing. Seek medical advice if necessary.
• Eye Injuries: In case of an eye injury from fireworks, avoid touching or rubbing the eye. Seek immediate medical attention.
• Smoke Inhalation: If anyone shows signs of breathing difficulties or dizziness from smoke inhalation, move them to a safe area with fresh air and seek medical help if symptoms persist.

Keeping pets safe

Bonfire Night can be extremely stressful for pets, especially dogs, cats, and small animals, due to the loud noises and bright lights.

• Keep Pets Indoors: As fireworks start to go off, keep your pets inside with windows and doors closed. This will help minimise the sound and protect them from wandering off in fear.
• Create a Calm Environment: Provide a quiet, safe space for your pets with their favourite toys or blankets. Playing soothing music or turning on the TV can help drown out firework noise.
• Walk Dogs Early: Take your dog for a walk well before the fireworks begin. This will prevent panic or attempts to run away due to sudden noises.
• Consider Pet Anxiety Products: If your pet is particularly anxious, consider speaking to a vet about anti-anxiety products such as pheromone sprays or calming supplements.

Be prepared with First Aid knowledge

Having an understanding of first aid skills can help prevent injuries from becoming more serious, or even life threatening. Taking part in an accredited first aid course is the best way to learn these vital skills.

Contact Imperative Training at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 01617767420 to learn how we can help you.