Dignity Health Chandler Regional cautions holiday decorators to avoid falls as they deck the halls

Accidents during holiday decorating may be catastrophic

CHANDLER, Ariz. (Nov. 22, 2024) – ‘Tis the season to decorate homes across the Valley – and Dignity Health Chandler Regional Medical Center’s Level I Trauma team is urging the public to follow simple safety tips to avoid a trip to the hospital.

Falls from ladders and other accidents are common during the holiday season, and they can be catastrophic, resulting in debilitating brain and spinal cord injuries.

“Over the years, I’ve treated countless patients who have suffered major injuries while they were stringing holiday lights or hanging decorations. In every case, the injuries were avoidable if safety precautions had been followed,” said Charles Hu, MD, director of Chandler Regional’s Level I Trauma Center. “We want people to experience the joy of the holidays – not the pain.”

Falls were the most common injury treated in Chandler Regional’s Level I Trauma Center in 2023. Last year, Chandler Regional’s trauma team treated nearly 3,000 patients with fall-related injuries.

The risk of falls greatly increases during the holidays, when many residents take to ladders and stepladders to decorate their homes or Christmas trees. About 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries occur each day in the U.S. during the holiday season, with more than 40 percent of the incidents involving falls, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

In the 2022 holiday season (Nov. 1, 2021 - Jan. 31, 2022), about 14,800 people were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments due to holiday decorating-related injuries, the CPSC said.

Holiday falls aren’t limited to tumbles from outdoor ladders and roofs. Decorators may be tempted to stand on a chair when placing ornaments high on a Christmas tree, but even that can result in a serious injury.

Decorators are advised to take care when using a ladder. In addition to making sure the ladder is on a firm, solid surface, they are advised not to climb ladders alone and to resist stretching to hang decorations.

Dr. Hu also advises against drinking and decorating, as dizziness or lightheadedness can contribute to falls.

“As we celebrate the holidays, we sometimes forget about safety,” said Dr. Hu. “But one poor decision can result in lifelong consequences.”

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