From cooking, to decorating the home and navigating a hectic household, Christmas is a
busy time, with plenty of room for accidents and incidents.
Knowing what to do if something does happen, can go a long way in ensuring you can enjoy
a very merry Christmas!
Keep cool in the heat of the kitchen
When preparing multiple meals, not to mention juggling a turkey and all the trimmings on
Christmas Day, it is key to be careful of exposed stoves, boiling pans, and hot countertops. If
you or a loved one receives a burn while cooking, hold the affected area under cold running
water for at least 20 minutes to cool the area. Apply a sterile dressing or clingfilm to the area
once it has been cooled. Do not apply creams or lotions!
Stay sharp when cutting and carving
Whether it’s chopping a mountain of carrots, parsnips, sprouts and potatoes in prep for the
big day or if carving the turkey goes awry at just the wrong time, make sure you clean the
wound by placing it under cool running water or use an alcohol-free wipe. Apply gentle
pressure to the area and keep it elevated, if possible, to minimise the bleeding, then dress
with a sterile plaster or dressing.
Firmly secure the dressing to maintain pressure on the wound but take care to not cut off
circulation. If the bleeding persists or is heavy, seek medical attention.
Don’t go poking if someone is choking
While the fun of Christmas is glowing and tiny festive treats are flowing, it is important to be
cautious of any choking hazards. If a loved one is choking, assess the severity of the
situation. If they are unable to talk or cough, the obstruction is severe, and you need to
deliver up to five firm blows to the back using the heel of you hand between their shoulder
blades.
Keep checking to see if the object has cleared – but do not attempt to remove it in case you
cause it to lodge in further. If the back blows don’t work, give them up to five abdominal
thrusts by standing behind them, link your hands between their belly button and the bottom
of their breastbone, your lower hand must be clenched in a fist. Pull inwards and upwards
sharply.
For babies, deliver the blows with them face-down along your thigh. Make sure to support
their head while you hold them in this position. If they are still choking, turn them face-up,
place two fingers in the middle of their chest and deliver five sharp pushes.
If the first cycle of back blows and thrusts are unsuccessful call 999/112 for an ambulance
and keep repeating the back blows and abdominal thrusts until the emergency services
arrive or the obstruction clears.
Keep the heart and soul in the party
In amongst the excitement of Christmas, it is vital to stay alert and be on hand for any life-
threatening situations. In the instance of cardiac arrest, CPR must be delivered quickly and
efficiently to continue the flow of oxygen to the brain. If your loved one collapses and is
unresponsive and not breathing, call 999/112 and begin CPR as soon as possible. Place the
heel of one hand on the centre of their chest, place your other on top of your first hand, and
interlink your fingers. Deliver between 100-120 chest compressions per minute on the centre
of the chest. For children, use one hand, and two fingers for babies.
The perfect pairing
Many of us will probably enjoy a very merry Christmas and festive season with a few tipples
that are stronger than water. However, it is important to keep yourself hydrated. For each
alcoholic drink you consume, aim to pair it with a glass of water to ensure you are properly
hydrated. Not only can this help to extend your evening revelries but will also make the next
day a far more pleasant experience. Remember, never drink alcohol on an empty stomach.
Keep it a white Christmas
A nosebleed can ruin any Christmas jumper so if you find yourself having one, keep calm
and sit forward whilst firmly pinching the soft part of your nose for up to 10 minutes. If your
nose bleed is severe, or if it lasts longer than 30 minutes, seek medical attention.
Tripping the light fantastic
Over-excited children running about, bags of shopping, piles of presents and even the family
pet can all be potential trip hazards when you’re living in a busy house, not to mention
juggling piles of pans in the kitchen. Always be mindful of where you are putting your feet,
especially when carrying hot things. It is so easy at this time of year to have a slip, trip or fall.
Whilst most are minor incidents, some can be more serious.
If you or someone else falls over, assist the severity of the situation. If you or your loved one
feels strong enough to stand, do so slowly and assist yourself using stable furniture.
If the injury from the fall is serious and results in a broken bone, stay as still and comfortable
as possible. Alert someone to your situation by shouting or using your phone. If you think
you need to be seen at hospital, go to A&E or contact minor injuries. If you think you need an
ambulance call 999/112.
All is calm, all is bright
Once your joyful festivities have come to an end, make sure to turn off all electricals that
could pose a fire hazard. Ensure you take the time to go round the house and switch off
Christmas tree lights and other festive electrical devices. Blow out all candles and ensure
you head off to a well-earned sleep, safe in the knowledge that all is well.
All the best to you and yours for 2023.