ST John Ambulance has issued safety tips as the county prepares for Bonfire Night.

The ambulance volunteers will be attending firework events across Essex so anyone who needs first aid gets it quickly.

However, injuries are much more likely to occur at private parties.

Steve Hampson, St John Ambulance's East Region Operations Manager, said: "St John Ambulance is keen that people enjoy Bonfire Night but don’t end their celebrations in hospital.

"Fireworks and bonfires can provide fun and entertainment for families at a time of year when the evenings are rather dark and gloomy. They literally light up the sky.

"Our volunteers will be on hand to provide expert first aid assistance at public displays across the region but if you are organising a private event, you need to know what to do if there is a first aid emergency.

"For example, if someone suffers a burn injury, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent them from going into shock or suffering long-term damage."

The most common injuries that our volunteers are required to treat at Bonfire Night gatherings are burns, debris in the eye from bonfires and fireworks and smoke inhalation.

For burns or scalds:  Run it under cold water for at least 10 minutes. You need to completely cool their skin to prevent pain, scarring or further damage  If the burn is on a child, or if you think it’s a serious burn (for example, if it’s deep, larger than the size of their hand, or on the face, hands or feet) call 999/112 for an ambulance

 Remove any jewellery or clothing near the burn (unless they’re stuck to it)  Don’t pop any blisters or apply ice, cream or gel – this can make it worse

 Once cooled, cover the burn with cling film or a plastic bag

 If necessary, treat them for shock, by laying them down with their legs raised and supported above the level of their heart

If someone has got something in their eye:

 Tell them not to rub it, so they don’t make it worse

 Pour clean water over their eye to wash out what’s in there and/or to cool the burn

 If this doesn’t work, try to lift the debris out with a damp corner of a clean tissue  If this doesn’t work either, don’t touch anything that’s stuck in their eye – cover it with a clean dressing or non-fluffy material

 Then take or send them straight to hospital

If someone has inhaled smoke fumes:  Move them away from the smoke so they can breathe in some fresh air

 Help them sit down in a comfortable position and loosen any tight clothing around their neck to help them breathe normally

 If they don’t recover quickly, call 999/112 for an ambulance.

For first aid information, visit www.sja.org.uk for more first aid tips.