The No. 1 Cause of Halloween Injuries: Carving the Pumpkin

SATURDAY, Oct. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Your Jack-o’-Lantern could also be greater than scary — it could possibly be harmful.

Pumpkin carving is the main explanation for accidents related to Halloween, in line with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Between October and November 2018 within the United States, 44% of Halloween-linked accidents had been linked with pumpkin-carving actions.

More than one-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 is a purpose Halloween known as ‘fright night time’ — it’s, in any case, the spookiest night time of the yr. But there’s one other interpretation of that time period that considerations orthopedic surgeons within the emergency division: a spike in trauma accidents,” mentioned Dr. Craig Phillips. He is an orthopedic hand surgeon and an American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) spokesperson.

“It is necessary for folks to ascertain clear boundaries with their children and train them security ideas to make sure they’ve a constructive expertise, moderately than having to go to the hospital,” Phillips mentioned 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 fingers.

If somebody suffers a reduce, 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 reduce is deep, chances are you’ll have to see a physician, the academy famous. Make certain cuts are cleaned and lined with clear bandages.

Don’t put candles in Halloween pumpkins and different decorations. Instead, use non-flammable gentle sources comparable to glow sticks or synthetic pumpkin lights, the specialists advised.

Before you utilize a ladder to place up Halloween decorations, verify it for unfastened screws, hinges or rungs. Never place a ladder on uneven floor or flooring. Place the ladder in well-lit areas and ensure there aren’t any tripping hazards, comparable to unfastened electrical extension cords throughout strolling paths.

The highest standing stage on a stepladder must be two steps down from the highest, the AAOS warned. To forestall slipping whereas on the ladder, ensure that the soles of your sneakers are clear and do not put on leather-soled sneakers. Always have somebody spot you whilst you’re on a ladder and transfer the ladder when crucial as an alternative of overreaching.

More info

The National Safety Council affords extra Halloween security ideas.

SOURCE: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, information launch, Oct. 6, 2021