While plugging in the Christmas tree lights Handy hubby doesn’t notice that the flex has frayed and gets an electric shock. He is unable to let go of the plug. Do you:

a) Try to pull his hand away.

b) Turn off the electricity at the mains and call an ambulance.

c) Tell him that you knew those lights he bought at the pub were dodgy.

While playing Wii Grandma Rosie clocks herself on the forehead while attempting to hit a virtual tennis ball. Do you:

a) Joke that’s it’s just a wee bump.

b) Get some ice, paracetamol and monitor for signs of drowsiness.

c) Take a selfie with her.

Brother-in-law Bruce insists on lifting out the turkey ‘his way’ and burns his hands on the baking tray. Do you:

a) Apply butter to the burnt area.

b) Run his hands under cool running water for 15 minutes and then cover with a sterile or clean dressing. He may need to go to hospital.

c) Draw straws for who has to feed him Christmas lunch.

Aunt Bertha suddenly isn’t talking. Her mouth is drooping and she slumps in her chair. Do you:

a) Presume she has had too much egg nog.

b) Remember FAST to check for a stroke, Face –able to smile? Arms – can they raise both arms? Speech – is their speech slurred? Time (act quickly). Call an ambulance!

c) Enjoy the peace and quiet.

Grandpa Jerome while carving the ham cuts his finger. Do you:

a) Apply a tourniquet.

b) Apply direct pressure to the wound for 15 mins and then cover with a clean dressing.

c) Wish you had got his eyes checked before Christmas.

Mother-in-law Edith develops a red itchy rash after eating some prawn in the salad. Do you:

a) Tell her she is starting to colour match her Christmas dress.

b) Give her an anti histamine quickly and watch her closely for swelling or breathing problems.

c) Start to worry she may have to stay overnight!

While watching your favourite rerun of the seasonal tearjerker, Cousin Philomena complains of a heavy pain in her chest. Do you:

a) Pray it’s indigestion as you love this part of the movie.

b) Keep her calm and remember DRSABCD: Danger, Response, Send for help 000, Airway, Breathing, Compression, Defibrillator.

c) Wonder if your husband has somehow organised this so he didn’t have to watch the rest of the movie!

Finally Old Uncle Ted steps awkwardly on the skateboard and rolls his ankle badly. Do you:

a) Distract him by mentioning Whitlam – that usually gets him talking.

b) Get him to Rest, Ice, Compress with a bandage and Elevate his leg.

c) Do b) plus as its Christmas give him a chocolate, a cuppa, a cuddle, an extra cushion and the all-important Remote so he can watch reruns of Dad’s Army!

Here’s hoping you answered (b) to the above questions and hopefully only one (c)!

Have a wonderful safe and happy Christmas!

Sister Margaret Bates
School Nurse