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December 1991 Issue [Readings]

‘Tis the Season to Be Clumsy

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From a list, compiled last July by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, of injuries related to Christmas decorations sustained last year by Americans. The commission surveys hospital emergency-room records to determine whether certain ornaments or other decorations should be recalled or banned from sale.

Patient fell off of table onto Christmas ornament; minimal contusion, ankle.

Patient was putting up Christmas lights and fell off roof; fractured humerus.

Patient fell off wooden stepladder while putting up Christmas lights; fractured calcaneus.

Cast-iron blunt object (Christmas decoration) fell off a ledge, causing laceration to forehead.

Patient was holding glass ornament in hand, and it broke.

Patient’s mother states that patient accidentally swallowed Christmas ornament.

Patient cut mouth on a glass snowman that was on the floor, causing a laceration to the tongue.

Patient was beaten by her mother because she knocked down a Christmas ornament; sprained right thumb.

Patient states he was walking down cellar steps to get Christmas decorations and missed a step, fell down flight of steps. Admits to six beers.

Patient cut finger on ceramic Santa at home.

Patient cut scalp on nail while putting box of Christmas ornaments away in the attic.

Patient reported strain to lower trunk picking up a box of Christmas ornaments.

Patient swallowed a Christmas tree ornament. Patient then vomited.

Patient lacerated hand on knife making Christmas decorations.

Patient reported right thumb pain, noticed swelling of thumb—had been working on Christmas wreaths at home.

Patient put Christmas tree ornament in left ear.

Patient swallowed a jingle bell at school.


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December 1991

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