Ghosts and goblins aren’t the only scary things related to Halloween. Wait, What, there is more? Yes! Finger and hand injuries can be super scary.
Halloween pumpkin carving is a fun activity for everyone to enjoy. However, it can be dangerous. Pumpkin carving with kitchen knives can end with a trip to your Hand Surgeon.
Check out our Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips!
Have a plan.
Draw out your masterpiece before you start carving. You can simply free-hand your design or use a template.
Keep your workspace clean, dry, and well lit.
Designate a space to organize your pumpkin carving essentials. Pumpkin carving can get messy. Be sure to keep your hands, carving utensils/tools, and surface area dry.
Use a pumpkin carving kit, not your sharpest kitchen knife.
Many kits include scoops, saws, sculpting, and fine-point tools. Unlike these tools, sharp kitchen knives tend to get stuck in the pumpkin and can be difficult to remove safely.
Children should always be supervised when they are near the carving workspace.
Leave the carving for the adults.
Always carve away from your body.
If you are using one hand to stabilize the pumpkin, do not point your carving tool in the same direction as your stabilizing hand or your body.
Use a glow stick or a battery operated candle for your jack-o-lantern.
This will help keep your children and pets safe!
First Aid.
If you do cut yourself, apply direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth. If bleeding persists after 10-15 minutes of direct pressure or you suspect serious injury, seek medical care immediately.
EmergeOrtho Triad Region specializes in providing quality, individualized care of the Upper Extremity focusing on the Hand, Wrist, and Elbow. For 20+ years, we have been proudly caring for the Triad’s Upper Extremity needs in Greensboro.
William M. Gramig, III, MD is a board certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and holds the Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and is an active member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. He is proud to have served and specialize in the care of the upper extremity for over 20 years in Greensboro. To learn more about Dr. Gramig, III, click HERE.
Fred W. Ortmann, IV, MD is board certified in orthopedic surgery and holds the Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery. He is an Active Member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. He specializes in care of the upper extremity and has served patients in Greensboro for almost 15 years. To learn more about Dr. Ortmann, IV. click HERE.
James J. Creighton, III, MD is an orthopedic surgeon with dual fellowship training in surgery of the Upper Extremity. He is focused on caring for patients with orthopedic injuries and conditions resulting from accidents, overuse, sports, & work. To learn more about Dr. Creighton, III, click HERE.
