Life

FESTIVE FIRST AID What to do in an emergency at Christmas time. This week: Falling off a chair or ladder

A third of all festive injuries involve falls
A third of all festive injuries involve falls A third of all festive injuries involve falls

FESTIVE FIRST AID

What to do in an emergency at Christmas time. This week: Falling off a chair or ladder

TUMBLING from a chair or missing your step on a ladder while putting up Christmas lights is a common way to sprain, strain or even break a bone. A third of all festive injuries involve falls, according to 2015 data.

Emma Hammett, founder of first aid training provider First Aid For Life, says: "Unless the limb is at an odd angle, there is a change of colour, or the bone is sticking out (all of which indicate a break), you could treat it at home."

Wrap a bag of frozen peas in a towel and put this on the area, elevate the limb and rest for 24 hours. Take paracetamol if needed.

Over-65s with suspected fractures must visit A&E, as their bones are highly vascular and can bleed internally.

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