Be prepared for a Jubilee emergency

With Diamond Jubilee celebrations happening all over the country this weekend the British Red Cross is advising on responding to revelry-related accidents and highlighting the importance of basic first aid knowledge.

Many people are expected to throw barbcues and street parties; and with drinks flowing; and this is likely to lead to some accidents and injuries. Thousands of people visit the A&E each year as a result. According to the NHS, only 30 % of the cases required urgent treatment.

Joe Mulligan, British Red Cross head of first aid says: “With the Jubilee Bank Holiday providing ample opportunity for people to celebrate, we wish the whole country a weekend of good cheer and fun as well as good health

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“Research shows that the vast majority of accidents happen at home. These range from burns, scalds and cuts that could put a dampener on an otherwise fantastic party. People should know that it is the first few minutes after any accident that are critical. First aid care can speed recovery, reduce pain or even in extreme cases save a life. And therefore it could also salvage your party,” he added.

Here are some simple first aid tips:

Cuts and wounds

If you suffer a large cut or wound, you need to stop or slow down the flow of blood quickly. To do this, grab a tea towel or any clean cloth available to you and put pressure on the wound. If serious, call 999 as soon as possible and keep the pressure on the wound until help arrives.

Fainting

If someone does faint, put them on their side, and tilt their head back

Burns

Cool the affected area as quickly as possible, put it under cold, running water, for at least ten minutes and once cooled then loosely wrap it in some kitchen film. This will stop infection and also won’t stick when it’s removed. If you are in any doubt about the seriousness of the burn, or it is a child who has been burned, seek medical attention.

Slips and falls

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If someone has fallen and received a sprain or strain, follow the R.I.C.E procedure: Rest the injured part, apply an Ice pack or cold compress (a pack of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel are great!) provide Comfortable support, and Elevate the injured part. If the pain is severe or they are unable to use the injured part, seek medical advice.

Choking

If you see someone choking, hit them firmly on their back to dislodge the item.

Heart Attack

Heart attacks can cause a person to experience persistent vice like chest pain which may spread to their arms, neck, jaw, back or stomach.

Ensure they are sitting and Call 999 immediately. Reassure them until help arrives.

Unconscious and breathing

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If you find someone unconscious, check for breathing by tilting their head back and looking and feeling for breaths.

If they ARE breathing roll them onto their side and tilt their head back again

If they are NOT breathing, call 999 or get someone else to do it. With them on their back, push in the middle of their chest so that it goes inwards and then release. Push at a regular rate and continue until help arrives.

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