Tis the season to avoid injury... (From Bournemouth Echo)

Tis the season to avoid injury...

9:00am Wednesday 23rd December 2009

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AROUND 1,000 people go to hospital after Christmas tree accidents and 350 are injured by Christmas tree lights.

A further 1,000 are hurt by trimmings or when decorating their homes.

Nurse Kathleen McGrath says: “Minor accidents in the home are common during the festive period and being prepared is the key, especially as chemists and pharmacies may not be open as frequently as usual.

Having a well-stocked first aid kit and some general basic first aid skills will help to make sure any minor mishaps can be dealt with quickly and easily so as not to spoil your Christmas celebrations.

”Christmas candles may look pretty but they can also pose a real danger if not looked after properly, “ she added.

In 2005 there were around 1,700 accidental candle fires and the government warned that people are 50 per cent more likely to die in a house fire over Christmas than any other time of the year.

Savlon suggest some Yuletide hazards to watch out for:

* Burns from grappling with the turkey

* Scalds from boiling gravy

* Cuts and nicks from chopping the sprouts

* Children grazing themselves falling off their new bike or roller skates from Santa

* Scissor and paper cuts from unwrapping Christmas presents too quickly.

To avoid any tinsel trips or Christmas tree calamities, follow these first aid tips:

Burns and scalds:

* With clean hands run the affected area under a cold tap for 10 mins or until the pain is relieved

* Remove clothing or jewellery from the affected area unless it is stuck and cover the burn with a sheet of clean, light, non-fluffy material or a specifically designed dressing

* For minor burns,a hydrocolloid gel, such as Savlon Advanced Healing Gel (£3.91 for 50g) can be used to cool and soothe the pain, aid faster healing and reduce the likelihood of scarring

* Remember if the burn or scald is severe seek medical assistance immediately Cuts and grazes:

* With clean hands rinse the wound under the tap or with an antiseptic wash

* Pat the area dry with a sterile swap and apply an antiseptic cream to prevent infection

* Protect the wound with a plaster

* Remember if there is a foreign body in the wound, a high risk of infection (e.g. a dog bite or cut by dirty object), the wound starts to become infected or does not heal well, seek medical advice.

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