Medical validation:
December 25, 2022
The oyster is a star product during the festive period. Except that by opening it, an accident quickly happened. How to react in case of injury? Advice from Dr Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo.
Like foie gras or salmon, oysters are very popular during the holidays. But beware, they are the cause of nearly 2,000 accidents per year, particularly hand injuries. So, what are the right reflexes to adopt in the event of a superficial or deep injury? Answers from Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo.
First step: prevention is better than cure
Several solutions exist to avoid the accident:
- The most obvious solution: have your oysters opened by a scaler or your fishmonger;
- If you want to do it yourself, equip yourself with a protective glove, a special shackle to protect your hand.
If despite everything, you have an accident of this type, be careful: a hand wound is always a serious wound.
The right reflexes in case of injury
“In case of haemorrhage, compress the wound and call for help immediately. On the other hand, without hemorrhage, we pass the wound under water – making sure to remove all the particles of oysters – then we make a bandage, taking care to stop its consumption of food, alcohol and tobacco from midnight. The next morning, it will then be necessary to go to the emergency room if possible with a hand surgery department“advises Dr. Kierzek.
If the injury is significant, an operation under anesthesia may be considered. However, before surgery, a period of fasting must be observed.
In the emergency room, don’t forget to provide the necessary documents, including your health record: this reflex will allow you to save precious time for the doctors – and for yourself.