05 November 2004

Follow the DTI advice checklist for a safe home firework display.

Before the display

• Only buy fireworks from a legitimate retailer
• Inform neighbours and be aware of their concerns
• Check the fireworks you buy are suitable for the size of garden and conform to British Standards (BS 7114)
• Read the instructions in daylight
• One person – clearly identified – should be responsible for fireworks

Things you will need on the night

• Torch for checking instructions
• Bucket of water
• Eye protection and gloves
• Bucket of soft earth to stick fireworks in
• Suitable supports for catherine wheels, proper launchers for rockets

During the display

• Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm • Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks • Light fireworks at arm's length with a taper • Stand well back and keep others back • Never go back to a lit firework • Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them • Always supervise children • Store fireworks in a metal box, kept closed between use • Keep pets indoors

After the display

• Use tongs or gloves to collect spent fireworks

Sparklers

• Unsuitable for children under five
• Light one at a time
• Wear gloves when holding sparklers
• Put used sparklers hot end down into a bucket of sand or water

Bonfires

• Should be at least 18 metres (60ft) away from houses, trees, hedges, fences or sheds
• Use domestic firelighters
• Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids

Online Survey

St. John Ambulance has commissioned an online survey to find out the views of teachers and students on First Aid education in schools. The survey, designed by Maven Market Research, can be accessed at www.maven-web.net/stj until 30 November 2004. Details of the survey are contained in the latest issue of the DfES online Spectrum, which is emailed to over 25,000 schools in the UK.

MOTHER & BABY SAVE A LIFE CAMPAIGN

The MOTHER & BABY SAVE A LIFE CAMPAIGN is holding special First Aid courses run by ST. JOHN AMBULANCE at TESCO stores throughout the country from June 2004 to February 2005.

For further information on the MOTHER & BABY SAVE A LIFE CAMPAIGN and SURVEY. Please contact: May Ho at 020 7324 4214

For the full UK list click here

St. John Ambulance Save a Life Survey Results

LONDON & SOUTH EAST - More than THREE-QUARTERS of mums in LONDON & SOUTH EAST say their 'child's carer' is NOT trained in First Aid' (76%, UK average 64%). A third of babies and young children in LONDON & SOUTH EAST have 'got an object or food stuck in their throat' (33%) and 72% of their parents 'didn't know what to do' (UK average 70%). Seventy per cent of parents in this area with an 'open fire' DON'T use a fire guard (UK average 49%). Meanwhile, a THIRD of children in this area have 'hurt themselves in a playground' (33%, UK average 22%).

EAST ANGLIA - Only 13% of parents in EAST ANGLIA know basic First Aid which could save their child's life (UK average 16%) and 80% of 'grandparents' in this area have 'never been on a First Aid course' (UK average 75%). Yet parents who have called an ambulance for their child in this area say it took the longest to arrive (a staggering 38 minutes, UK average 14 minutes). All the more important for parents to know emergency First Aid.

To see the full report please visit News from St. John Ambulance

First Aid's First Choice for 125 Years

From the Boer War to Beatle mania, National Celebrations to the National Health - wherever people have needed First Aid, we've been on hand to support and supply for 125 years.

We're proud to be First Aid's first choice.

Today, St. John Supplies is a major trading organisation serving both public and private enterprises around the world, providing Heath & Safety, First Aid and Training equipment, Publications and Clothing.
While many of our products and services would be unrecognisable to our forebears, our trademark commitment to service excellence remains undiminished.

Supplying First Aid 2004

The new Supplying First Aid catalogue is out now, packed with thousands of top quality products, all at unbeatable prices.

Gold Lifesaving Medal for St. John Cadet

Seventeen-year old lifesaver Paul Swift, a St. John Ambulance Cadet from Darwen, Lancashire, has been awarded the Order of St. John Gold Life Saving medal after rescuing a drowning woman and her young daughter from a canal. This is the first time a St. John Ambulance cadet has been awarded the Gold Life Saving medal.

Holiday First Aid Kit - A Winner!

According to The Daily Mail, the St. John Ambulance Holiday Kit is a winner amongst First Aid Kits. The kit came first, ahead of other leading brands such as Savlon and Lloyds pharmacy in a Consumer Test carried out for the Good Health Guide.

Available exclusively from St. John Supplies.