Christmas is a wonderful time for many of us but for some, this can turn into a nightmare as accidents and injuries can occur. So, with our first aid and Risk assessment head, we have devised the guide below to help plan ahead.

Minimise risks

Presents are very popular with young children but often there are risks with some gifts due to small parts and Batteries. To help minimise the risk, it is worth checking gifts before wrapping them for small parts that should maybe be removed and put batteries in them so batteries aren’t lying around and the children can play with their toys quicker.

You should also check the toys you buy comply with UK or EU safety standards which should include the securing of batteries. When you put batteries in the toys ensure that the case is securely put back together so the batteries are not accessible. Button batteries are the most concerning as they are easier to swallow and pose a significant danger to a child. It is also advisable to store batteries in high cupboards out of reach of children.

At Christmas, we often have bowls of snacks and nibbles out for everyone to graze on with sweets, nuts and fruit in, but if you have young children you should place these out of their reach as often some of these are potential choking hazards.  They could also pose a health risk to animals as some fruits and chocolate can be poisonous to them.

As we all relax and enjoy some family time downtime we may let ourselves indulge in treats and pile up our plates and have a few extra drinks (it’s Christmas it’s allowed!), but to help you cope if you overindulge buy in some remedies. On your Christmas food shop add some indigestion tablets and pain killers. Other remedies including a light walk and sipping water or mint tea.

Seeking treatment

Even though it’s Christmas don’t ignore the symptoms or injuries so that you don’t spoil the day for your family. If you need medical help you should contact either 999 or 111 depending on the severity of your condition. If you think you are suffering from heart attack or stroke symptoms, then you should seek medical advice immediately as every second counts.

Coronavirus and Christmas

The current pandemic will alter our Christmas this year and we should take care to minimise the number of people we interact with and maintain our good habits of hands, face, space. You should also ensure that you isolate if you think you have Covid-19 symptoms and get tested.

However, one of the wider risks of the pandemic is the mental health impacts and loneliness that might occur for those that are isolating. We should bear this in mind and look out for our neighbours, wider family members and friends.

Whatever you are doing this Christmas period, we wish you all the best for Christmas and the New Year!