Plastic Packaging Injuries

December 2006

Stations, the following is a news announcement. Suggested lead in 3, 2, 1...

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You received the gift you wanted. Now be careful opening it. Those plastic shells containing everything from toys and electronics to batteries aren't just difficult to open. Government statistics show 6,500 visits to the emergency department were due to injuries related to plastic packaging.

Dr. Brian Keaton, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians, says patience and a little care will prevent a potentially nasty cut.

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THE INJURIES WE SEE IN THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT ARE OFTEN FROM THE KNIVES AND RAZORS THAT PEOPLE USE TO CUT OPEN PACKAGING, RATHER THAN FROM PLASTIC CONTAINERS THEMSELVES. IT'S BEST TO USE A PAIR OF SCISSORS THAT DOESN'T HAVE A SHARP POINT AND TO DISCARD THE PACKAGING AS SOON AS THE UNWRAPPING IS DONE.

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If you receive a cut that won't stop bleeding after five minutes of direct pressure or if you notice numbness or limitation in movement after the cut, it's time to see a doctor. For more information, visit acep.org.