The Carving Knife: Halloween's Spookiest Creature

Pumpkin carving brings out the child in all of us. Memories of traditions like trick-or-treating, costumes and haunted houses all come to mind as the art of carving begins. But as innocent as it appears, your jack-o-lantern can land you in the emergency room.

Halloween is among the top three holidays producing the most emergency room visits with accidental lacerations and puncture wounds to the hands and fingers. John Griswold, M.D., said many of these injuries require surgery and rehabilitation.

“There is a wrong way to carve a pumpkin,” Griswold said. “Pumpkins can be slippery and tough. In a second, a knife can slip and go through the skin and out the other side. People need to be aware of the damage that can be done if you do not take precautions.”

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The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons gives these tips to keep you and your family safe:

• When carving pumpkins remember to use specifically designed carving knives, rather than kitchen knives, as they are less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin skin. Carve the pumpkin in small, controlled strokes, away from yourself on a strong, sturdy surface.
• Carving knives should be kept in a clean, dry, well-lit area. Any moisture on the tools, hands or table can cause the knife to slip, leading to injuries.
• Children should never carve pumpkins. Try painting pumpkins for a fun, creative option.
• Think of fire hazards when lighting jack-o-lantern candles. Use glow sticks or artificial lights instead.

Griswold said if you cut a finger or hand, make sure the hand is elevated higher than your heart and apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to the wound to stop the bleeding.

“If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may be necessary,” Griswold said. “You can make fun Halloween memories with your family, but be be smart before you pick up the carving tools.”