Staying Safe during Dark Nights, Celebrations and Significant Events
October and November house many celebrations and events, including Halloween, Diwali and Fireworks / Bonfire Night. Additionally British Summer Time ends and the clocks go back on the 27th October, meaning darker evenings.
These are all fantastic events to get together with friends, family and the wider community. I’ve seen a whole host of different activities advertised across this period, including Halloween crafting and pumpkin carving workshops, delicious food events, light shows and village firework displays. Many of the events coincide with half term, so lots of opportunities to keep the kids entertained.
As always in the world of first aid, prevention is better than interventions. Here are a few simple steps to keep safe during the Autumn / Winter season.
Fancy Dress Costumes:
Dressing up is fun! FACT! Just remember that not all clothing is manufactured to the same safety standards. Fancy dress costumes are highly flammable. Check clothing labels a UKCA or CE mark. It means they have undergone additional fire safety testing and should burn more slowly if they catch fire.
On Bonfire / Fireworks night - take the ‘wrap up’ not ‘dress up’ approach
Lights / candles / flames:
These items are super decorative - but can cause direct burns or cause other items to catch fire. Keep them out of reach of curious explorers and trick or treaters. Consider using battery powered lights instead. Make sure you fully extinguish all flames after use. I’ll be adding First Aid for Burns to my Facebook and Instagram Pages over the next few weeks.
Button Batteries:
Many lights, toys and household items contain button batteries. If swallowed / ingested and remain stuck in the digestive tract - button batteries contain chemicals which react with the body’s fluids (such as saliva), releasing caustic soda which results in tissue damage. If you believe a child (or anyone!) has swallowed a button battery - call 999 or take them to A & E immediately. Do not give them anything to eat or drink.
Button Batteries are also perfect sizes to obstruct a child’s airway and cause choking. More on choking below:
Sweets & Treats:
Chewy sweets, lollipops and ball shaped sweets and chocolate indicate a profitable night trick or treating! Again, these can be a perfect size to block or obstruct an airway
Top tips - Sit whilst eating - Stay together - Save any treats until you are home. I will be adding some What To Do Reels on my Facebook and Instagram Pages over the next few weeks.
And finally - Be a Fright, But Stay Bright. Nights will be darker so add reflective wear to bags or coats so you can stay seen.
2025 dates for First Aid Courses in Bury St. Edmunds will be on the website soon. If you want to book a training session for your family, workplace, club or community email me at info@angliacpr.co.uk