Christmas means different things to many people and for our volunteers it means keeping communities across Wales safe.
Every year our volunteers are there for people at high profile and community events so they can get the help they so desperately need, quickly.
For many, Christmas is a time to let their hair down and enjoy themselves and Black Friday, traditionally the busiest year for Christmas celebrations, will be no exception.
With this, Swansea Help Point volunteers will be urging people to look out for one another and to look after your ‘elves’ to help avoid a not-so-merry Christmas visit to the hospital.
Celebrating its fifth anniversary, the Swansea Help Point, which is also run in conjunction with the local council and South Wales Police, plays a pivotal part in reducing the number of casualties attending hospital by treating minor injuries like sprains, cuts, head injuries and alcohol intoxication.
Here are top tips to look after one another this Christmas from our Help Point volunteers:
- Plan for the weather – bring a coat to stay warm, especially if it’s raining
- Make sure your phone is fully charged – so if you get lost you can call a friend
- Stay together – look after yourself and others by sticking together
- Don’t drink to excess – have a great time, but be mindful that many accidents happen when there’s a high amount of alcohol in your system so drink responsibly
If someone’s had a little too much to drink and is unresponsive (but still breathing), putting them in the recovery position will help to maintain their airway. Make sure to reassure them, keep them warm and check for any other injuries and do not make them be sick as this may cause a blockage.
“Christmas is a time for giving and for spending time with loved ones. There’s no better way to show someone you love them than by looking after them.
At the Help Point, volunteers will be there for you when you need it. So if the worst happens and you get injured or lost, please come and see us so we can help.”
St John Cymru National Operations Officer, Gerallt Davies
The Swansea Help Point is open from 10pm every Wednesday and Saturday but will also be open on key dates including Black Friday, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve to help deal with additional demand.
For more information about Wales’ leading first aid charity, St John Cymru and how you can help volunteers be there for your local community, click here.
For more information about South Wales Police and advice on how to stay safe over the festive period click here.
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