Whether you’re preparing holiday meals, decorating for the season, or playing with fireworks, there are a number of hazards that could put your safety at risk. It is particularly important to be prepared in the event of an accident so that you can react quickly and effectively without causing further damage. In this article, we offer advice to help you react in the event of an accident during the holidays. So while you celebrate and have fun, everyone will stay safe!
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Hand injuries.
In the case of a hand injury during the holidays, the first instinct is to clean the wound with water and then disinfect it with a sanitizing product to avoid any bacterial infection. The use of hydrogen peroxide (mercurochrome) is not recommended: chlorhexidine must be used as an antiseptic product. A compress and a plaster are used to cover the damaged area. If the cut is superficial, you can apply a homemade poultice containing plantain leaves to stop the bleeding and promote rapid healing. In any case, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner without emergency if the wound seems benign, but if tingling or motor disorders are observed, a visit to the emergency room may be required. It is especially careful to quickly go to the doctor if the depth of the knife exceeds 2 mm.
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Burns:
In order to treat a burn, the first reflex is to apply the 2 x 10 rule: put the lesion under cold water (at 10°C) for 10 minutes. It is then recommended to apply a greasy product such as Flammazine®, Biafine, Vaseline or Nivea® Cream which will help relieve pain and calm irritation caused by the wound. If the burn is not too severe, lavender essential oil can also be applied to soothe the area and speed up its healing. In any circumstance, it is advisable to consult a general practitioner within 48 hours in order to check that the injury has not spread deeper and that there will be no subsequent complications. If an entire part of the body is affected by the burn, it is necessary to go immediately to the emergency room.
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Food poisoning :
In order to prevent food poisoning during the holidays, it is important to store and cook food properly. If you still suffer from food poisoning, put your intestines to rest by not eating, but by consuming liquid broths or soups. It is also necessary to hydrate and add 4 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt for a liter of water. This solution should be drunk in small quantities in order to avoid vomiting. A herbal tea sweetened with honey can also help healing.
Avoid filling in the vomit or forcing the sufferer to do so, as this can lead to serious respiratory complications. Do not hesitate to take a look at the decorative Christmas plants toxic to children and animals.
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Falls:
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of a fall over the Christmas holidays, it’s important to take the appropriate steps to ensure you treat your injury and get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
The first and most important thing to do is to assess the extent of your injury. If it’s a minor injury, like a twisted ankle or a sprained wrist, it’s possible to find a quick fix using home remedies. Resting the affected area, applying ice directly to the skin for 15 to 20 minutes at regular intervals, and keeping it high can help reduce swelling and ease pain. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be taken according to package directions for further pain relief.
However, if your fall results in more serious injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma, it is best to seek immediate medical attention for advice on the best course of action. Depending on the situation, you may need to go to the emergency room for further examination and evaluation by a doctor who will be able to provide a proper diagnosis and create a treatment plan accordingly. Also, if you experience signs of a concussion such as dizziness, confusion, or nausea after you fall, seek medical attention immediately, even if there are no other visible signs of injury.
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Eye contusion:
If you hurt your eye from a champagne cork over the holidays, there are several things you can do to get relief quickly and avoid further damage. First, it is important to apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the eye as soon as possible; this will help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Second, it is best to keep the head elevated above heart level, which helps reduce pressure on the injured area. Third, you can also consider taking ibuprofen or another nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug like naproxen sodium to reduce pain and inflammation. It is also important to avoid rubbing or touching the affected area, as this may cause further injury and worsen symptoms.
Here are the numbers to call during the holiday season in case of emergency:
- 112: An emergency number anywhere in Europe that you can dial from any fixed or mobile line, functional for all ISPs (internet service provider).
- 15: The SAMU can intervene in the event of serious burns, cuts, poisoning or falls.
- The red cross application: “The app that saves” is a free application made available to you to provide you with express training for any type of domestic accident. To download on your IOS or Android.
