4 first aid tips for a safe and merry Christmas

Whether we’re decorating our homes with candles and fairy lights, sprinkling the carpet with glitter and gifts, or tossing moderation aside to indulge in festive treats, Christmas is a time when many of us relax and let our guard down.

Sue Hampshire, Associate Clinical Director at St John Ambulance, says the festive period is a season of joy, and the charity wants you to enjoy yourself wherever you are.

“However, we also want everyone to stay safe,” she explains. “It’s vital to be aware of the potential hazards around DIY decorations, lots of people gathered together, excessive eating and drinking and the chances of choking or tripping from small items or toys.”

How to protect yourself from common Christmas hazards

Enjoying your favourite Christmas customs can be great for your mental health, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the little hazards that come with them. No one’s saying you can’t have fun - you just need to enjoy these traditions while being mindful of the potential pitfalls.

Luckily, St John Ambulance has some handy tips to help you stay safe over the festive season.

1. Keep tabs on your candles

Christmas is the time of year when most fire-related incidents happen. We all love lighting a candle during the winter months to brighten up dark corners and create a cosy vibe at home.

But even small, naked flames can increase the chance of a house fire - especially if left unattended.

Always make sure you put your candles out before going to bed or leaving a room for any extended period. Using non-plastic holders and keeping candles away from flammable materials can also help prevent those seemingly innocent flickering flames from turning dangerous.

To be extra safe, keep your candles out of reach of children, pets, and the elderly. You could even consider LED candles for a safer alternative.

2. Twinkle with care

Glittering fairy lights - whether coloured, clear, or a mix of both - are a staple of Christmas cheer. They brighten up homes, gardens, and town centres alike. Untangling them can be a bit stressful, but it’s nothing compared to the peril of getting an electric shock if the lights happen to be faulty.

Always check fairy light cables for damage before putting them on your tree. Make sure outdoor lights are rated for use outside in all weathers, and keep electrical components indoors.

If you or someone else receives an electric shock, move the person away from the electrical source. If possible, stand on a dry, insulating surface - such as a plastic mat or wooden box - and use a non-conductive object - such as a broom handle or wooden pole - to carefully push the affected person’s hand or foot away from the source.

3. Tread carefully around toys

Many of us know the searing pain of stepping on a sharp toy - an experience most of us remember a little too well. But we’re not the only ones in danger of hurting ourselves when the floor is littered with Christmas toys.

If you’ve got visitors coming over this Christmas, do them a favour by keeping your floors tidy to help prevent injuries, slips, and trips.

Take care to avoid anaphylactic shock

Anaphylactic shock is a serious, life-threatening allergic reaction triggered by something you’ve eaten or come into close contact with.

Christmas can increase the chances of this happening, as we’re more likely to try foods we don’t usually eat, encounter allergens in festive decorations, and go about the season with a little less caution than usual.

You can read about the symptoms of anaphylactic shock in our article that highlights the key signs to watch for.

The main thing St John Ambulance wants us to know is that they’re not trying to dampen the holiday spirit. Their goal is to help you enjoy all the festive fun safely.

Christmas is undeniably exciting, but it can also be intense. With all the sights, sounds, and activities, it’s easy to throw caution to the wind and forget that one small accident could have serious consequences.

Christmas should be a time for fun, not harm. So enjoy yourselves, but do so with care - stay prepared, stay aware, and keep safety in mind while making the most of the season.

For more information, visit the St John Ambulance website.