The call of duty

As most first aiders know, you should never use the ‘Q’ word when on duty as it just tempts fate.  On Friday night I think every St John Ambulance member at Bridgwater Carnival must have been screaming “quiet” from the roof tops considering the chaos that ensued.

  

The omens were ominous from the outset with the entrance to our county HQ being blocked by an HGV that managed to get itself bogged down in the flower bed outside.  This was followed soon after by the news of a river bank in Bridgwater collapsing and causing extensive flooding and road closures.  The treatment unit was sitting in several inches of water and the carnival had not even begun.

  

So, it couldn’t possibly get any worse. Or could it?  Shortly after the carnival procession started, news began to filter though of a crash on the M5 just south of the Bridgwater junction and my Twitter time line soon became flooded with information.

  

Has time progressed, it became apparent that it wasn’t going to be an early night.  The scale of the incident on the M5 meant that the local NHS ambulance service had nearly all their resources committed so we had to provide back up to cover the routine 999 calls in the area.

  

What made me exceptionally proud was when the control room supervisor asked if anyone would mind staying on, no one had to think twice.  Despite an already long shift, many of the volunteers having already spent the day at work prior to going on duty, almost everyone was willing to stay on and help out.

  

The circumstances were terrible, but it is occasions such as this that make it an honour to part of an organisation such as St John Ambulance.  It is an honour to work alongside so many people that are willing to give up their own time in support of others and be prepared to make a difference to other people’s lives.

Staying warm in the cold

Carnival season is well underway and some of the largest illuminated parades in Europe are taking to the streets all across Somerset with Shepton Mallet, Wells and Glastonbury all coming up soon.  It is a time for celebration and a time for revelry, but it is also a time when the long cold autumn nights can cause havoc with the body.  Each year during the carnivals there are a number of people who require treatment for cold-related conditions.

  

If you need treatment for a cold-related condition then there is every chance that your evening will already have been spoiled but there are steps that can be taken to protect against the cold.

  

• Layer up: start with a soft layer for comfort and finish with synthetic materials that will protect against wind and rain.  Be careful not to make yourself too warm as sweating creates moisture that can actually make you colder.  Add or remove layers to regulate your body temperature. 
• Wear gloves and a hat: most body heat is lost through unprotected extremities such as the hands or the top of the head so keep warmth in by covering up these areas.
• Wear waterproofs: a wet body will get cold far quicker than a dry body and will take longer to warm up again.
• Move around: maintain circulation of the blood and therefore warmth around the body. Even wriggling fingers and toes will help.
• Keep hydrated: cold air naturally draws moisture away from the body so drinking plenty of non alcoholic fluids will help prevent dehydration.  Drinking alcohol will lower the body temperature.

  

Enjoy the fun of the carnival!

Bonfire night safety

Bonfire night is an exciting time for everyone with a multitude of colours flashing across the night sky and explosions reverberating long into the night.  For the vast majority, fireworks and bonfires are fun but every year a small number of people suffer from burns as a result.  More often than not they are just minor burns so the following offers a brief guide on how to deal with them and so prevent your night from being ruined.
 

Sit or lie the casualty down if possible and flood the affected area with cold water (or any other cold drink) for at least ten minutes.  Remove any clothing that is covering the burn, unless it is sticking, and remove any constricting items.
  
Place a sterile non fluffy dressing over the burn, if one is not available you can use cling film (discard the first two turns from the roll first) or even a clean plastic bag.  This will help protect against infection and prevent fluid loss that could result in dehydration or shock.
  

Do not touch the burn, burst any blisters or apply any lotions, ointments or adhesive tape.  If the burn is to the face then do not cover it up, instead keep cooling the area with water.
  

If a burn that is blistering covers an area of the body greater than 5%, or if a burn that appears pale and charred covers an area greater than 1%, seek immediate medical attention.  As a guide, the area covering the palm of your hand and fingers is approximately 1% of your total body area.  You should also seek medical attention if the burn is to a child; if it is to the hands, face, feet or genitals; or if the burn extends all the way round a limb.  If you are in any doubt then seek medical attention.
  

Fireworks and bonfires need not be dangerous if managed properly and good safety precautions will normally negate any need for first aid.  This includes standing well back, never returning to a firework that has not gone off and always supervising children.
 
Enjoy your bonfire night wherever you are, and stay safe.