Halloween season can be fun and ghostly, but nothing is scarier than a hand injury, says Donna Hart Goodson, OTR/L, CHT. “Every year, I expect to see at least one hand injury that could have been prevented if extra safety measures had been taken when carving a pumpkin,” says Donna. Most injuries I’ve seen are from a child or adult holding a wet knife while trying to cut through tough pumpkin skin. The hand slips and a finger gets cut on the knife blade, cutting through vital tendons in the fingers. Unfortunately, therapy for these injuries is generally needed long after Halloween has passed and sometimes results in loss of hand function.
In 2019, it was estimated that 40% of Halloween injuries were related to pumpkin carving. These injuries include minor cuts or lacerations, stab and puncture wounds, and/or severed tendons, nerves, and or ligaments, all of which can lead to long-term loss of motion, sensation, and strength in the hand. “I’ve seen injuries in the dominant and non-dominant hand that occur when carving pumpkins.” Says Donna. “Both hands are susceptible to injuries when it comes to using a knife!”
To avoid finding yourself in the emergency room this Halloween season, follow these basic steps provided by the American Society of Hand Therapists.
- Choose the best location: Well-lit areas help you to see the task at hand clearly. Also, having dry hands, a dry pumpkin, and dry surrounds will help to make your work area safer.
- Adults should do the actual carving: Kids can help pick out the pumpkin, pick out the design, and clean out the pumpkins. NEVER allow children to use a knife. The tough skin and the soft middle of the pumpkin makes using a knife with precision difficult.
*** NOTE: Consider carving the pumpkin before cleaning out the inside, as this eliminates the ability to place a hand inside while carving the pumpkin. - Buy pumpkin carving kits: These tools are specifically made for carving pumpkins and can help decrease the chance of injury. There are also lots of kits to decorate the pumpkins with paint or stickers that allow the children to decorate the pumpkin.
- Use safe carving technique: NEVER put your non-dominant hand directly behind the pumpkin where the knife could slip and cut. Also, make sure your tools are dry to avoid slipping while gripping the knife.
Following these safety tips can help you and your family have a ghostly fun time!
For more information on safety tips, check out these links.