Avoid Yuletide injuries

Fresh on the back of Bristol City Council’s attempt at dispensing advice to prevent Christmas accidents, Savlon is also keen to help people treat their tinsel trips and tree calamities.

With around 1000 people ending up in hospital after a tree related accident, 350 maimed by tree lights and a further 1000 hurt by Christmas decorations, Nurse Kathleen McGrath has some advice for the Normal Wisdoms of the festive period.

Kathleen 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.”

Savlon suggest some Yuletide hazards to watch out for:

Christmas candles though pretty, accounted for 1,700 accidental fires in 2005
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 to quickly