Christmas is a magical time of year. However it is also a time when there are more accidents than usual, for both humans and pets. Decorations, fires, new toys, visitors, cooking and houses packed with over-excited children and extra animals present a lot of potential hazards. GPs and local chemists may well be shut, and according to the RoSPA more than 80,000 people go to A&E each year for Christmas-related accidents and over 6,000 of these need to be admitted.

Chemists and doctors will be closed over the festive period, so think ahead, buy pharmaceuticals you may need in advance. When opening presents ensure you have necessary scissors and screw drivers. Many injuries occur on Christmas day with people battling to open difficult packaging as quickly as possible, using make-shift tools. Kitchens at Christmas are exceptionally hazardous; sharp knives, hot fat and boiling water can prove a recipe for disaster! Keep extra people (especially children and animals) out of the kitchen and avoid alcohol until after the cooking.

If someone gets burnt:

• Cool the burnt area immediately with cool, running water for at least 10 minutes. Do not immerse the casualty in cold water as this can cause shock. Do not use very cold water or ice as it can slow the healing of the burn at a later date.
• Remove loose clothing from the burnt area (it retains heat) immediately if possible. Otherwise remove it after cooling the area for at least 10 minutes. If clothing is stuck to the skin, never try to pull it off.
• Remove rings, bracelets, watches etc. from the affected area as burns swell and these could become tight and cause constriction.
• For children with burns call an ambulance and keep cooling the burn while you wait. For adults, after ensuring that the burn is properly cooled, loosely cover the burn with cling film or a sterile/clean plastic bag and leave it on until seen by a doctor or nurse. If a pet is burnt or scalded, hold the affected area under cool running water for a full 20 minutes, ideally longer and seek veterinary advice.
• Always get a burn assessed by a health professional.

NEVER:

• Pop blisters or touch the burn.
• Apply creams, ointments, oils, grease, etc.
• Put on an adhesive, sticky, or fluffy dressings

If the burn is larger than a 50p piece and is blistered or has lost skin, phone an ambulance.

Christmas Parties

If you have a party, make sure you tidy up properly before going to bed. Children and pets are likely to be the first up in the morning and may finish off dregs of drinks or have a chew of whatever else they can find amongst morning-after debris.

Choking

Glass and fragile decorations should be out of reach of toddlers and pets. Decorative items that may look like toys do not have to comply with toy safety standards and may be dangerous. Small parts from toys or gadgets can easily become a choking hazard for pets and children. The contents of Granny’s handbag could prove lethal and remind visitors to keep all medication secure and out of sight and reach.

Poisoning

Be particularly careful with button batteries as these are corrosive and burn the inside of intestines, causing major internal bleeding. Ensure all batteries are safely secured inside toys, remote controls, cards and gadgets. If a battery is missing and you think it possible a child has swallowed it, take them to A&E immediately for an x-ray as lithium batteries can kill within hours.

Many decorative Christmas plants such as mistletoe are poisonous; mistletoe berries contain toxins that slow the heart rate and cause hallucinations. The orange berries on the Christmas cherry cause stomach pains and the Christmas rose causes violent diarrhoea.

If you suspect a child has eaten something poisonous, calmly try and work out what is missing and if anything’s been swallowed. Encourage them to spit anything in their mouth out and to remain still as running around increases their metabolism. If the child appears fine, call 111 and they will consult the poisons database to let you know what should be done. If the child displays any change in behaviour (e.g. begins to vomit or becomes sleepy), phone for an ambulance. If they lose consciousness, check they are breathing. If they are put them in the recovery position, if not, start CPR. Get medical help immediately.

Chocolate is often around in abundance on festive occasions. Some dogs can tolerate chocolate with little adverse reaction, for others it can be lethal. Human chocolate should never be given to dogs. Many people are unaware of this and may think they are giving them a treat. If your dog has eaten any chocolate, contact your vet as quickly as possible with as much information as you can about how much they have eaten and the type of chocolate consumed. Keep wrappers and remains of the chocolate and take them with you to the surgery.

Let your guests know that there are a lot of human foods that can make your pet extremely unwell. Guests should always check with you before giving your pet anything.

Never give your pet cooked chicken bones as they are brittle and can cause intestinal injuries.

Allergies

Christmas is a time when people with food allergies need to take extra special care. The ingredient list of pre-packed food should list all major allergens, but be cautious with catered food.

Chocolate treats for children, such as those you hang on the Christmas tree, may end up separated from their packaging. Some of these could contain nuts or possible nut residues. Special care is needed with chocolate made on the continent. Even if there is no nut warning, there may be a risk of cross-contamination.

Stock up on:

• Your trusted cold remedies
• Rennie, Gaviscon, peppermint oil, fresh peppermint tea, charcoal or digestive enzymes, which help ease mild indigestion
• Probiotics and probiotic yoghurts to help your gut recover from over-indulgence
• Berocca – can be helpful to have a glass before an evening out
• Lucozade Sport or Dioralyte to rehydrate you and ease hangovers
• Alka Seltzer or Ibuprofen (take after food) to ease headaches, Alka Seltzer contains caffeine as well as pain killers to help restore energy

Preparation is vital to a successful celebration. Ensure you have an appropriately stocked first aid kit ready for emergencies and that you have been on a practical or online first aid course so you are confident that you have the skills to help if you need to. As for pets – be sensitive to their needs and their mood. Finding themselves in a strange environment, or suddenly surrounded by people wanting to fuss and prod them can be extremely unsettling for them. Ensure your pet can escape somewhere quiet and make sure you take them out for regular walks. Look at their demeanour and if they seem stressed act before they snap.

Find more information about our courses here. Online First Aid provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. Online First Aid is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.

Author: Emma Hammett