Common festive mishaps and how to deal with them
EVERY December, A&E departments experience increased demand – some of it caused by minor Christmas injuries that could have been treated at home.
Here are five common festive mishaps, how to treat them at home if possible, and when to call in urgent help. A slip of the knife while preparing Christmas dinner could leave you with a cut finger or worse.
If the wound is dirty, clean it with cold, running water or alcohol-free wipes and pat it dry. Raise and support the injury and apply a sterile adhesive dressing. Seek help if there is heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop quickly or if the cut is large and requires stitches. Hot oil jumping from a pan or a steaming cup of tea pulled off a table by a child can cause minor burns or scalds.
Hold the burn under cool running water for at least 10 minutes, remove clothing or jewellery around the burn (unless it’s stuck to it), cover lengthways with cling film and monitor. Seek medical advice, for example by calling NHS 24, if the burn is a bad one. Be extra cautious if young children get burned. With presents and toys scattered everywhere on Christmas Day, it’s easy to trip and sprain your ankle.
Follow the RICE BY LISA SALMON rule. R – rest the injured area. I – apply an ice pack. C – ensure there’s comfortable support and check circulation every 10 minutes. E – elevate the injured limb and rest. Toppling Christmas trees or children tearing up and down stairs in excitement can result in head injuries.
The general rule of thumb is don’t take any chances. If your child suffers a head injury, you must see a doctor urgently. If the child loses consciousness, vomits more than once or behaves abnormally (for example, not walking or talking as usual), it could indicate an injury to the brain and requires prompt assessment by a doctor. Festive nuts or some of that Christmas turkey can get stuck in the throat – and there are even more choking hazards around for children.
Adults and children should try to cough out whatever they’re choking on. St John Ambulance say onlookers should encourage the casualty to keep coughing. If that doesn’t dislodge the obstruction, give five sharp back blows between the shoulder blade and check their mouth each time. Or, squeeze it out by giving five abdominal thrusts and checking their mouth each time. Call 999 if the object doesn’t dislodge, as choking can quickly become a medical emergency. ● For more information and advice, see www.sja.org.uk.
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