Spring is the season of work in the garden and around the house, but also the season of so-called do-it-yourself accidents. Improper handling of tools, improvisation and underestimating safety can have serious consequences, most accidents can be avoided with caution and preparation. This was pointed out by Michal Briatka, a doctor at the trauma clinic of the hospital in Bánovce nad Bebravou.
Injuries in the spring and early summer include injuries from working with tools, falling from ladders or improper handling of electrical equipment. The most common injuries include deep cuts, injuries to tendons and fingers, but also fractures or dislocations. These are often serious injuries that require surgical treatment or even surgery.
“A typical example is inattention when working with a circular saw, saw or grinder. It only takes a second and the patient arrives with an injury that affects not only the skin, but also tendons or nerves. The treatment is then significantly more demanding,” Briatka described.
According to him, a specific type are injuries caused by a carbo sander, in which masters put a disc intended for wood instead of a disc for iron. “It often happens that the disc gets stuck, at high speeds the device turns sharply and causes a serious injury, not infrequently even amputation of a limb. We have already come across cases where patients had deep wounds on their forearms or amputated fingers caused in this way,” he pointed out.
According to experts, work at heights is also risky. Falls from ladders or roofs often lead to fractures of the upper and lower limbs, and in worse cases to spinal injuries. “People often underestimate the stability of the ground or work without safety. The combination of fatigue, inattention, improvisation and often even older age is very dangerous,” the doctor of the trauma clinic emphasized, noting that the number of such accidents increases very significantly during the period when the fruit ripens on the trees and the gardeners harvest the harvest.
It is not an exception that people embark on activities for which they do not have sufficient experience. “In the surgical clinic, we also regularly meet patients who try to save money and start doing work that should be done by experts. However, without the necessary skills and protective equipment, the risk of injury increases significantly.” explained the doctor further.
The basis of prevention is caution and preparation. The use of protective equipment such as gloves, glasses or sturdy shoes should be a matter of course. It is equally important to use high-quality and functional tools. “People should also not underestimate warming up before physical work and taking regular breaks. Fatigue significantly increases the risk of error and subsequent injury,” advised Briatka.
According to him, in the event of an injury, it is important not to delay treatment, especially if there are deep wounds, heavy bleeding or a suspected fracture. “Early intervention can determine the extent of damage and the outcome of treatment. The earlier the patient arrives, the better the prognosis,” he added.
