Column: Dr Flaherty On Holiday Safety & More
[Column written by Dr Michael Flaherty]
It’s holiday time in Bermuda and a wonderful time for families, filled with presents, gatherings and plenty of excitement for children. It is also a time when the home gets a little busier and distractions are more common, which is why it’s good to pause to think about safety in a gentle, positive way – here are some top health, safety and first-aid tips to refresh your memory.
Safe Santa
We love to spoil the children in our families with new toys during the holidays, but it is important to remember that when it comes to safety, not all toys are made equal and there can be a huge range of hazards.
If you are picking out gifts for those under the age of three, make sure to avoid toys with small parts. As a rule of thumb, if it can fit through a toilet paper roll, it is a choking hazard. Many electronic toys come with button or lithium batteries. It is particularly important to keep these out of reach or securely fastened inside the toy, as even if they do not cause choking, they can cause very serious injuries if swallowed.
We strongly recommend that you do not give anyone under 16 the gift of an electric scooter or e-bike. For those older than 16, you should check for UL certified batteries and chargers, reliable brakes and a durable build from a known brand. When riding, a helmet should always be worn.
It may also be worth keeping your eye out for any toys which have been subject to a recall for safety concerns – you may find this website useful.
Elf and safety
Nothing is cosier than lighting a fire in the hearth or surrounding yourself with candles. Just be sure to keep candles on non-flammable surfaces, away from wood, plastic, paper or fabric and out of reach of any small hands. Use a grate if you have a fireplace. Fires should never be left unattended, particularly if there are children or animals in the house.
While most modern holiday lights are now LEDs and reasonably safe, it is still better to be cautious. Switch off any strings of festive lights before going to bed and make sure your tree is not close to heat sources or exits.
When decorating your tree, try to use shatterproof ornaments where possible and keep more fragile or sentimental items higher up. This protects them from curious hands and from any pets that might take an interest.
In the kitchen, it is lovely to involve children in cooking but keep them safely away from hot surfaces and liquids. Try to avoid carrying little ones while working over the stove or handling hot drinks, including those mulled favourites many of us enjoy during the holidays.
In Case of Emergency
We don’t like to imagine the worst possible scenarios but it’s always worth being prepared. We recommend that you refresh your memory once in a while on how to carry out CPR, for infants as well as adults. Articles like this may be helpful and it’s worth members of the family registering for infant and child CPR courses through local organisations such as the Bermuda Red Cross or St John Ambulance.
If a child is choking, the Heimlich manoeuvre can be used. Stand behind them, wrap your arms around their waist and give upward abdominal thrusts, adjusting the force according to their size. For infants under one year, the approach is different. Use five back blows and five chest thrusts while holding them face down with their head lower than their body, supported on your forearm.
Children do not need to feel worried to stay safe. Involving them in simple routines – such as deputising them to switch off festive lights at bedtime – can make them feel confident and included. Keeping guidance short, calm and age-appropriate helps everyone enjoy the season while still staying mindful of risks.
The holidays should be joyful and full of fun. The good news is that most injuries are entirely preventable with a little planning and supervision, especially around common household hazards like candles, stoves and small toys. By keeping safety guidance simple, positive and part of daily routines, families in Bermuda can enjoy a festive season that is both magical and safe for children of all ages.
- Dr Michael Flaherty, a paediatric critical care physician at Mass General Brigham for Children
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