‘Santa baby, hurry [extra carefully] down the chimney tonight’ – Prevalence of Christmas related injuries 2007–2016 in the United States: Observational study

Lauche, R; Wardle, J; Peng, W; Adams, J; Cramer, H

‘Santa baby, hurry [extra carefully] down the chimney tonight’ – Prevalence of Christmas related injuries 2007–2016 in the United States: Observational study

Lauche, R

Wardle, J

Peng, W

Adams, J

Cramer, H

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Advances in Integrative Medicine, 2019, 6 (1), pp. 40 - 44
Issue Date:: 2019-03-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Lauche, R https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4171-7935	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Wardle, J https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8813-3542	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Peng, W https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9747-2466	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Adams, J https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9901-5717	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Cramer, H	en_US
dc.date.issued	2019-03-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	Advances in Integrative Medicine, 2019, 6 (1), pp. 40 - 44	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	2212-9588	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/128737
dc.description.abstract	© 2018 Elsevier Ltd Objectives: To assess the prevalence of Christmas-related injuries for Santa Claus, Santa's helpers, Santa impersonators and Christmas revellers. Methods: Data were obtained from the US using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a national probability sample of U.S. hospitals with 24-hour accident and emergency services. Data from 2007 to 2016 were analysed regarding emergency visits involving injuries related to Christmas products, and weighted prevalence and patterns of Christmas-related injuries were reported. Results: No injuries directly affecting Santa Claus, Santa Claus’ helpers, or Santa impersonators were identified. U.S.-wide, 277 children were injured by Santa impersonators. Further injuries were reported in association with artificial Christmas trees (17,928 injuries), real Christmas trees (2216 injuries), Christmas tree stands/supports (2839 Injuries), tree lights (31,855 injuries), electrical decorations (36,054 injuries), non-electrical decorations (80,208 injuries), and Christmas presents (2305 injuries). Almost all injuries occurred in Caucasians and injuries were most common in children, adults aged 30–60, and in those aged 70 or older. Injuries related to electrical Christmas decorations were more common in males; those related to non-electrical Christmas decorations were more common in females. Conclusions: Despite inherent dangers associated with his work, Santa Claus appears to be safe and is not responsible for Christmas-related injuries. In contrast, the considerable safety hazards of Santa impersonation practices and Christmas products require further investigation.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	Advances in Integrative Medicine	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.aimed.2018.11.004	en_US
dc.title	‘Santa baby, hurry [extra carefully] down the chimney tonight’ – Prevalence of Christmas related injuries 2007–2016 in the United States: Observational study	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	1	en_US
utslib.citation.volume	6	en_US
utslib.for	1103 Clinical Sciences	en_US
utslib.for	1104 Complementary and Alternative Medicine	en_US
utslib.for	1111 Nutrition and Dietetics	en_US
utslib.for	1117 Public Health and Health Services	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
pubs.issue	1	en_US
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	6	en_US

Abstract:

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd Objectives: To assess the prevalence of Christmas-related injuries for Santa Claus, Santa's helpers, Santa impersonators and Christmas revellers. Methods: Data were obtained from the US using National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), a national probability sample of U.S. hospitals with 24-hour accident and emergency services. Data from 2007 to 2016 were analysed regarding emergency visits involving injuries related to Christmas products, and weighted prevalence and patterns of Christmas-related injuries were reported. Results: No injuries directly affecting Santa Claus, Santa Claus’ helpers, or Santa impersonators were identified. U.S.-wide, 277 children were injured by Santa impersonators. Further injuries were reported in association with artificial Christmas trees (17,928 injuries), real Christmas trees (2216 injuries), Christmas tree stands/supports (2839 Injuries), tree lights (31,855 injuries), electrical decorations (36,054 injuries), non-electrical decorations (80,208 injuries), and Christmas presents (2305 injuries). Almost all injuries occurred in Caucasians and injuries were most common in children, adults aged 30–60, and in those aged 70 or older. Injuries related to electrical Christmas decorations were more common in males; those related to non-electrical Christmas decorations were more common in females. Conclusions: Despite inherent dangers associated with his work, Santa Claus appears to be safe and is not responsible for Christmas-related injuries. In contrast, the considerable safety hazards of Santa impersonation practices and Christmas products require further investigation.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/128737