ASHT Warns off Pumpkin Carving Dangers
Use caution during
the Halloween season and take steps to prevent hand injuries when carving.
To
prevent hand injuries, ASHT suggests the following safety tips
Carve at a
Clean, Dry, Well-lit
Area
Wash
and thoroughly dry all of the tools that you
will use to carve the pumpkin: carving tools, knife, cutting surface, and your
hands. Any moisture on your tools, hands, or table can cause slipping that can
lead to injuries.
Always
Have Adult Supervision
All too often we see adolescent patients with injuries because adults feel the
kids are responsible enough to be left on their own. Even though the carving may
be going great, it only takes a second for an injury to occur.
Leave the
Carving to Adults
never let children do the carving. ASHT suggests letting kids draw a pattern on
the pumpkin and have them be responsible for cleaning out the inside pulp and
seeds. When the adults do start cutting, they should always cut away from
themselves and cut in small, controlled strokes.
Sharper is
not Better
“A sharper knife is not necessarily better because it often becomes wedged in
the thicker part of the pumpkin, requiring force to remove it. An injury can
occur if your hand is in the wrong place when the knife finally dislodges from
the thick skin of the pumpkin. Injuries are also sustained when the knife slips
and comes out the other side of the pumpkin where your hand may be holding it
steady.”
Use a
Pumpkin Carving Kit
Special pumpkin carving kits are available in stores and include small serrated
pumpkin saws that work better because they are less likely to get stuck in the
thick pumpkin tissue. “If they do get jammed and then wedged free, they are
not sharp enough to cause a deep, penetrating cut.”
Help
for a pumpkin carving injury
Should you cut
your finger or hand, bleeding from minor cuts will often stop on their own by
applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If continuous pressure
does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may
be required.
Help
for a pumpkin carving injury
Should you cut
your finger or hand, bleeding from minor cuts will often stop on their own by
applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If continuous pressure
does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may
be required.
