St John WA urges caution as Easter DIY injuries continue to rise

St John WA is urging West Australians to exercise caution when tackling home DIY projects this Easter, with new data revealing an alarming trend in domestic trauma over the long weekend.

Domestic trauma cases – often resulting from a home DIY mishap – have risen 39 per cent over Easter between 2014 and 2018 as more people look to use the holiday period to complete odd jobs around the house.

Last Easter, paramedics responded to 221 emergency calls for domestic trauma – 31 more than same period in 2017 and 62 more than in 2014. Most incidents (179) happened in the metropolitan area, however, regional paramedics were also kept busy responding to 42 calls.

St John Area Manager Blaise Rego said the upward trend in domestic trauma over Easter showed some people were still not heeding safety advice.

“We traditionally see a large number of domestic trauma incidents over Easter because the long weekend is a perfect opportunity to tackle projects around the house,” Mr Rego said.

“In the past we’ve urged people to be cautious when undertaking such projects but the data suggests this message needs reinforcing as we’re seeing the numbers continue to rise.

“In fact, last year St John responded to more emergency calls for domestic trauma than alcohol intoxication, motor vehicle accidents and sporting injuries combined.

“Accidents and injuries around the home are always more prevalent on weekends, but the four-day Easter break allows people to complete those bigger projects and that’s where the more serious accidents tend to happen.”

Mr Rego said common domestic trauma injuries involved power tools, falls from ladders or rooves, and in some cases electrocution. He urged people to know their limitations and always use appropriate safety gear.

“Domestic trauma is a broad category and not all incidents are the result of a DIY mishap. However, paramedics certainly see more than their share of injuries caused by power tools, falls and electric shock,” he said.

“We’d ask anyone undertaking projects around the house this Easter to make sure they have the appropriate skills and equipment to do the job safely. This means not attempting jobs that should be done by qualified professionals as serious injuries can happen if things go wrong.

“No one wants to spend the long weekend in hospital and by exercising a bit of restraint and common sense hopefully we can reverse the trend of domestic trauma incidents this Easter.

“For more minor injuries, it’s a good idea to have a first-aid kit handy and to make sure your first-aid training is up to date.”

Additional information:

• 39 per cent rise in domestic trauma patients over the Easter long weekend since 2014;
• In 2018 more patients (221) were treated for domestic trauma as for alcohol intoxication, road accidents and sporting injuries combined (192);
• Last year 179 domestic trauma patients were treated in the metropolitan area and 42 in regional WA;
• Paramedics responded to 221 domestic trauma calls last year, 190 in 2016, 160 in 2015, 159 in 2014.

Advice from St John

• Be prepared for whichever task you’re undertaking;
• Ensure you have the necessary equipment, including personal protective equipment;
• Ensure you have the skills and capabilities to complete the job safely;
• Wear appropriate clothing, especially when using power tools or machinery;
• Avoid spending long periods in the sun and take regular breaks;
• A household first aid kit is important for anyone undertaking regular DIY projects and first aid training provides essential skills for treatment and prevention of common injuries.
• To book a St John first aid course visit stjohnwa.com.au or phone (08) 9334 1233.