I’m sure you’re in full swing of the Christmas spirit by now, and here at ABC Training we can’t wait for a season of food, family and relaxation. But injuries don’t stop just because it’s Christmas!
With approximately 1’000 people a year being injured in Christmas tree related incidents alone, it is important to know how to respond to potential first-aid emergencies to keep you all safe.
Burns-
On Christmas day, tensions are usually heightened as there’s more people to cook for, and more food prep to be done. This can lead to a huge increase in kitchen accidents such as burns and cuts.
According to stats, 1 in 10 people have spilt hot fat on themselves whilst cooking Christmas dinner, and 1 in 5 have cut themselves whilst prepping vegetables. Whilst this number is high, it’s important you know when an injury is okay to be dealt with at home or when it requires further attention.
For a full blog about burns read here.. Or read on for quick tips below.
- Run a burn under cold water to reduce burn spreading
- Apply a bandage to keep clean.
- If it begins to smell, spread or swell, call 111.
Falls-
As Christmas rolls around many of us go the full hog, with our heavily decorated trees and tinsel and many people have begun to have an outdoor display of lights as well.
Whilst these lights are often met with delight, it’s important to know the risks when putting them up, especially if you’re using ladders or going onto roofs. The RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) revealed over 1’000 people suffer from falls during the Christmas period.
Some falls may simply result in bumps or bruises. If this is the case for you, read our more in depth blog on how to treat these here.
However, signs of a more serious fall are…
- Dizziness
- Loss of consciousness
- Memory Loss
- Intense pain
- Numbness/tingling
- Visibly out of place limb.
One of the biggest risks of a serious fall is a concussion or broken limb. So if you suspect someone to be suffering from either of those things call 111 or attend your nearest A&E.
Electric Shocks-
Another injury likely to be caused by decorations and/or Christmas lights is that of electric shocks. Minor electric shocks can be nothing to worry about as long as the root cause is dealt with before it can become a serious danger.
How to avoid an electric shock
- If cords have become damaged or frayed do not use extension leads or appliances.
- Don’t remove a plug from a power point by pulling on its cord. Instead, switch off the power point and pull the plug.
- Keep electrical appliances away from wet areas.
- Insert safety plugs into any power points which are not in use. This is done to stop children from inserting objects into them.
What to do if someone has been electrocuted.
If somebody receives an electric shock the very first thing that you must do is immediately disconnect the power supply. You must not touch the casualty until you are sure that the power supply is turned off as the electricity will still be live.
Once you have done this do the following:
- Check for the casualties response as well as breathing. It may be necessary to commence CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
- If the casualties breathing is steady and they are responsive, attend to any injuries that they may have. Do this by cooling the burns with cool, running water for 20 minutes and cover the burns with dressings.
- If the casualty has fallen from a height do not move them as they could have received further injuries from the fall such as spinal injuries. Only move the casualty if they are at risk of further danger such as from falling items.
Have a wonderful and safe Christmas from us here at ABC Training!
