A first aid checklist for New Year’s Eve celebrations
It’s almost time to raise a glass to 2024 and celebrate the start of a brand new decade.
While New Year’s Eve can be the perfect way to round off the fun of the festive season, you’ll want to be prepared for any unfortunate mishaps.
As with bonfire night, the frenzy of firework celebrations and clinking glasses presents a series of possible health risks. First aid support should be supplied to public events by the organisers, but those choosing to host their own private party must ensure they have a first aid kit to hand that’s properly equipped.
Here’s a look at some of the most common injuries sustained on New Year’s Eve and the first aid items you’ll need to treat them.
Winter driving
A winter driving kit will provide peace of mind when on the road.
Regardless of whether you are driving to your New Year’s Eve party, getting behind the wheel at any time over winter presents a range of challenges.
It’s crucial that you are equipped with a safety kit not just for yourself, but for your car too. We all know how frustrating a frosty windscreen can be; failing to clear it effectively and proceeding to drive while ‘portholing’ is illegal and extremely dangerous. Thankfully, a winter driving kit will ensure you have everything you need to deal with this and more.
Containing essential items such as de-icer, screen wash, and a mini wind-up torch, this kit will ensure you commute with peace of mind.
Burn injuries
Burn dressings work in a similar way to water but doesn't evaporate.
Clumsiness during the lighting of fireworks can result in burns to the skin. Minor burns and scalds must be cooled immediately to reduce the pain and extent of the injury.
This is done by either running the burn under cold water or applying burn gel. The latter works much in the same way as water however, due to its thickness, it stays on the burn and won’t evaporate. Stock up on burn gel and burn dressings to cool and protect injuries from contamination and further damage.
Trips and falls
A triangular bandage is commonly used as a sling.
A combination of dim lighting and alcohol consumption may result in an impairment of judgement and accidents taking place.
Due to the time of year, it is also likely for the weather to be poor with slippery wet and icy conditions. A heavy twist or knock can inflict a sprain to a bone or joint and it may not be possible for you to determine the extent of the damage.
A triangular bandage can be used as a sling for injured arms and shoulders. This supports the injury and helps to keep it still while you await medical help.
Eye irritation
Sterile eyewash is the fastest and most effective way to cleanse an eye.
The debris from fireworks can make its way into our eyes. Eyewash stations and first aid kits specifically for eye care will contain eyewash solution, bottles and pods that safely remove foreign matter.
Using sterile eyewash is the fastest and most effective way to cleanse an eye. While minimising damage, the wash helps to relieve irritation and reduce the uncomfort of a small cut or graze.
Cuts and scrapes
Always ensure your first aid kit is replenished with bandages and plasters.
Plasters are one of the most used items in first aid kits and, as a result, it is common to run out of them over time without realising.
Be sure to check that your kit is fully stocked with an assortment of plaster types and shapes to deal with all manner of cuts across the body.
More serious wounds should be treated with a bandage and dressing. Use sterile medical wipes to first cleanse the cut and the skin around it before you cover it.
So there you have it. Make sure replenishing your first aid kit is among the goals you set yourself this year.
At First Aid Warehouse you’ll find all the essentials and more for stocking up ahead of your New Year’s Eve celebrations. We can also offer discounts for bulk and repeat orders. Contact us for further details.