🎄 Christmas First Aid: The Most Common Festive Accidents (and How to Handle Them)

Christmas is a time for family, food and festivities — but it’s also one of the busiest times of year for accidental injuries. From kitchen mishaps to festive falls, knowing some basic first aid can make all the difference.

Here are the most common festive accidents we see at Christmas, and what to do if they happen.

1. Cuts and Lacerations in the Kitchen

With sharp knives, rushed cooking and lots of helpers, cuts are incredibly common.

What to do:

• Grazes rinse under clean running water

• Bigger cuts apply pressure to stop bleeding

• Cover with a sterile dressing or plaster

• Seek medical help if the cut is deep, gaping or bleeding heavily

Tip: Slow down — most kitchen injuries happen when people rush.

2. Burns and Scalds

Hot ovens, boiling gravy, pans of oil and hot drinks are a perfect recipe for burns.

What to do immediately:

• Cool the burn under cool running water for at least 20 minutes

• Remove jewellery or tight clothing (if safe to do so)

• Cover loosely with cling film or a sterile dressing

• Do not use butter, oils or creams

Call 999 or seek urgent help for large, deep or facial burns or blistering that is bigger than the palm of their hand.

3. Choking at the Dinner Table

Choking is a serious risk at Christmas, especially with turkey, stuffing, sausages and sweets. Children and elderly relatives are particularly vulnerable.

Signs of choking:

• Difficulty breathing or coughing

• Blue lips

• Inability to speak

  
  

What to do:

• Encourage coughing if they can

• If not, give 5 back blows

• Follow with 5 abdominal thrusts

• Call 999 immediately if the blockage doesn’t clear

Knowing how to act quickly can save a life.

4. Candle and Decoration Injuries

Candles, fairy lights and decorations can cause burns, fires or cuts.

First aid tips:

• Treat minor burns as above

• For glass cuts, stop bleeding and clean the wound

• Keep candles away from children, pets and curtains

5. Alcohol-Related Accidents

More alcohol often means more falls, cuts and poor decision-making.

Common issues include:

• Falls on stairs

• Head injuries

• Burns and cuts

  
  

What to watch for:

• Head injury symptoms (vomiting, confusion, drowsiness)

• Someone who “can’t be woken”

If you’re worried, always err on the side of caution and seek medical help.

6. Slips, Trips and Falls

Icy paths, wet floors and crowded homes increase the risk of falls, especially for older relatives.

What to do after a fall:

• Check for pain, deformity or dizziness

• Don’t rush someone to stand up

• Keep them warm and comfortable

• Call for help if there’s any concern

Be Prepared This Christmas

A well-stocked first aid kit and some basic training can help you deal with emergencies calmly and confidently.

At Wiltshire First Aid, we provide practical, hands-on training to help you protect your family, colleagues and community — not just at Christmas, but all year round.

Stay safe, enjoy the festivities, and know that first aid knowledge really does save lives.