SATURDAY, Oct. 23, 2021 (HealthDay Information) — Your Jack-o’-Lantern could also be greater than scary — it may very well be harmful.
Pumpkin carving is the main reason behind accidents related to Halloween, in line with the U.S. Client Product Security Fee.
Between October and November 2018 in america, 44% of Halloween-linked accidents have been linked with pumpkin-carving actions.
A couple of-quarter of Halloween-related accidents included cuts, ingestions and costume, pumpkin or decoration-related accidents, and there have been almost 2,700 accidents involving journeys and falls.
“There’s a purpose Halloween is named ‘fright night time’ — it’s, in spite of everything, the spookiest night time of the yr. However there may be one other interpretation of that time period that issues orthopedic surgeons within the emergency division: a spike in trauma accidents,” stated Dr. Craig Phillips. He’s an orthopedic hand surgeon and an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) spokesperson.
“It will be important for fogeys to ascertain clear boundaries with their youngsters and educate them security ideas to make sure they’ve a optimistic expertise, fairly than having to go to the hospital,” Phillips stated in AAOS information launch.
When carving your pumpkin, use a carving equipment or knives particularly designed for the duty, the AAOS suggested. Carve pumpkins in a clear, dry and well-lit space, and ensure there isn’t a moisture on the carving instruments or your palms.
If somebody suffers a minimize, apply stress with a clear fabric and elevate the injured space above the center. If bleeding doesn’t cease inside 10 to fifteen minutes or if the minimize is deep, you might have to see a physician, the academy famous. Make certain cuts are cleaned and lined with clear bandages.
Do not put candles in Halloween pumpkins and different decorations. As an alternative, use non-flammable gentle sources akin to glow sticks or synthetic pumpkin lights, the specialists instructed.
Earlier than you employ a ladder to place up Halloween decorations, test it for unfastened screws, hinges or rungs. By no means place a ladder on uneven floor or flooring. Place the ladder in well-lit areas and ensure there aren’t any tripping hazards, akin to unfastened electrical extension cords throughout strolling paths.
The best standing degree on a stepladder ought to be two steps down from the highest, the AAOS warned. To stop slipping whereas on the ladder, ensure that the soles of your footwear are clear and do not put on leather-soled footwear. At all times have somebody spot you when you’re on a ladder and transfer the ladder when obligatory as a substitute of overreaching.
Extra info
The Nationwide Security Council provides extra Halloween safety tips.
SOURCE: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, information launch, Oct. 6, 2021
