5 Holiday Dangers People Risk Every Year– from an ER Doctor

You know it’s the holiday season when the “Chief complaints” in the ER contain words like “ladder”, “ornament”, “scissors”…. (oh, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas). And while no one ever really wants to come see me in the ER, you REALLY don’t want to see me during the holidays (it’s ok. No hurt feelings here).

So, learn a little from my patients to keep your holidays festive, happy, and safe.

(1)  If you have young children or pets, hide away any electrical extension cords. Holiday light cords account for 4,000 ER visits per year, according to the CPSC. About half result from tripping and falling (especially a risk with older relatives). The other half are in children under 5, of whom hundreds experience severe electrical burns from biting the cord.

(2)  If garland-hanging makes you look like Tom Cruise filming MI-6, then STOP. Really. That should kind of be the end of the post. Enough said. It’s funny when Chevy Chase does it. You? Not so much. In fact, 5,800 people are treated in the ER each year for decorating-related falls. (Yes. I had a patient who’s chart read “Fell from ladder while decorating tree”. It’s just NOT a good story).

(3)  If a new gift needs protective equipment, buy it with the gift! Every year it’s the same – Aunt Jane bought a new skateboard/bike/hoverboard, and figured Johnny would eventually get the helmet, kneepads, etc. that he needs for it. Except is Johnny going to WAIT until he gets protective gear? OF COURSE NOT. He’s going to go out immediately. Without it… SO please, do your loved ones a favor and just buy the protective equipment at the moment you buy the gift. (Besides, you can sometimes save money this way).

(4)  Be careful opening gifts in plastic clamshells. In the last couple of decades, toys started coming in these hard, sealed plastic containers. Great for toy protection, I suppose. NOT great for hands. And every year, people cut themselves – not just on the scissors (because it takes a LOT of force to cut the packages), but the plastic itself can become so sharp on its cut edges, that the plastic cuts your hand (even if someone is just trying to tear it open). Go slowly with these, and always have adults open them.

(5)  Wash wine glasses with a bottle brush, not a sponge. You have your guests over, they leave, and you attack all the dirty wine glasses with a sponge. Except that then the wine glass breaks around your hand – and it happens so quickly that it can literally slice through your hand. Instead, use a wine glass brush, which cleans your glasses and protects your hands!

Here’s wishing a happy and safe holiday for you and your loved ones this year!