Keeping Your Hands Safe from Scary Pumpkin Carving Accidents

The tradition of pumpkin carving has been around for centuries, with its origins dating back to 19th century Ireland. Jack-o-lanterns are synonymous with modern day Halloween, with an estimated 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkin sold each year for Halloween festivities. And while it may look like a harmless, family fun tradition, it’s the top reason thousands are sent to the ER each year on Halloween.

Common Carving Mishaps

A report from the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates 55% of Halloween ER visits are due to pumpkin carving accidents. Children between the ages of 10 and 19 make up the largest injured demographic at 31.5%. Because most Americans only carve pumpkins this time of the year, they have little experience and underestimate the difficulty of cutting through a pumpkin rind.

“Every year across the country there is an increase in hand injuries in October due to pumpkin carving. One study found that over 20,000 people were injured between 2012 and 2021 through pumpkin carving and that 44% of households carve pumpkins. In that study, the most common injuries were to the index finger and the thumb. A knife injury to the hand can cause a nerve or tendon injury and require months of recovery or in the worst-case scenario, loss of a finger.”

Kevin Krul, MD, FACS, FAAO
Orthopaedics, Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand Surgery, Trinity Orthopaedics

 

Punctures, lacerations, and served tendons or nerves to the hands are most often caused by the knife slipping from the carver’s grasp. A common misconception is that using a sharper knife makes carving easier. But once the knife gets stuck and excessive pressure is applied to remove it, the knife can slip unexpectedly and cause serious or permanent damage.

Don’t End Up a Halloween Horror Story

Carving accidents don’t have to derail your spook-tacular fun. Take a moment to plan and follow these recommended safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

1. Don’t rush!
2. Ensure your pumpkin is secured on a stable surface, so it doesn’t accidentally roll away from you while carving.
3. Wash and thoroughly dry your hands and carving tools- moisture can cause knives to slip.
4. Carve in a well-lit room using slow, controlled motions, cutting away from your hands and fingers. Do not place your hand inside the pumpkin while carving.
5. Supervise any children present and always let adults handle the carving.

If a carving injury happens, Dr. Krul recommends immediately elevating the injured hand above heart level while applying firm, consistent pressure to the wound for at least 15 minutes. If bleeding does not stop after that time, seek medical attention right away at the nearest emergency room or urgent care center. A follow-up visit with a hand surgeon is also important to assess the extent of the injury and determine whether surgical treatment is needed.

At Catholic Health, we have a team of surgeons and nonsurgical specialists who are among the best in the region. We offer a wide range of orthopedic services and are equipped to handle all your orthopedic needs.

If you’ve experienced a hand or orthopedic injury, don’t wait to seek treatment. Prompt treatment can make all the difference in healing, restoring function, and getting you back to doing what you love.

 

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