Whether you’re a rule follower or live life on the edge, no one wants to end up in A&E.
That’s why we look both ways when we cross the road, and wash our kitchen surfaces after prepping food.
But now, NHS doctor and TikTok content creator, Dr Arthur, has shared a list of things that can land you in A&E, which he calls an ‘absolute no no’.
And while some, like motorbikes and fireworks, are pretty obvious – there’s others on his list that we reckon will surprise you.
From hazardous hair accessories to some questionable microwaving, Metro sought the help of GP Dr Suzanne Wylie to give us the lowdown on just how dangerous these common habits really are.
Boiled sweets
It turns out those toffee or rhubarb and custard sweets, can actually be pretty dangerous, especially for kids.
In fact, Dr Arthur said he wouldn’t eat hard boiled sweets at ‘any age’, admitting: ‘These terrify me.’
Dr Suzanne agrees, telling Metro these treats are a ‘top choking hazard, especially for children’.
In fact, 1,399 people in the UK died due to choking from 2018 to 2022, with 1,097 of those caused by choking on food.
‘Their hard texture and round shape make them easy to inhale accidentally, and they’re very difficult to dislodge once lodged in the airway,’ Dr Suzanne explains. ‘I advise avoiding them entirely for younger children.’
Claw clips
‘Hard clips in a car – take them out please,’ says the TikTok doctor.
‘In a crash, a hard hair clip can act like a projectile or concentrate impact force against the skull,’ adds Dr Suzanne. ‘This can lead to scalp lacerations or even skull fractures.
‘Removing them before travel is a small habit that can prevent serious injury.’
There were actually 820 car accidents from 2019 to 2020 where a severe head injury was the worst injury sustained. So, sorry ladies, that Y2K do will have to come out.
Metal straws
‘Particularly if you’re a child and you are walking or running and could fall on said straw, absolutely no, no, no,’ Dr Arthur says.
It’s a bummer because you obviously want to save the environment, but things could get nasty.
‘Metal straws are rigid and unforgiving,’ says Dr Suzanne. ‘If a child or adult falls while walking with one in their mouth, it can cause catastrophic injuries to the mouth, palate, or even the brain.
‘There have been documented cases of fatal impalements, so it’s an unacceptable risk in my view.’
Toys with button batteries
This was another ‘never’ from the TikTok doctor, with DrSuzanne for IQdoctor explaining button batteries are ‘highly corrosive’ when ingested.
‘They can start causing internal burns within two hours,’ she says. ‘They’re particularly dangerous for young children, and the injuries are often life-threatening.’
The Child Accident Prevention Trust claimed two children died in the space of just 10 months from swallowing these batteries.
‘I would never allow one anywhere near a toddler’s toy unless it’s securely locked away,’ she adds.
Takeaways
Who doesn’t love a cheeky takeaway when it’s pay day? Well, make sure you get those leftovers in the fridge quickly.
In fact, Dr Arthur wont eat takeaway food that hasn’t been put in the fridge within 60 minutes.
‘Perishable food left out too long provides a breeding ground for bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli,’ Dr Suzanne says. ‘Reheating may not kill all toxins, so eating such food could easily lead to food poisoning.
‘It’s simply not worth the risk.’
Petting dogs
We’ve all heard to horror stories of fatal dog attacks in the news, and while plenty four-legged friends are perfectly behaved, you need to exercise caution.
Dr Arthur says: ‘You’ve got to live your life, if you’re an adult who knows the risks and knows how to behave around dogs.
‘If you’re a child or you have a child, never ever let them pet a dog you are not 100% familiar with.’
Given there were 30,539 offences of a dog injuring a person or guide dog in 2023, it would be wise to heed this warning.
Grapes
A healthy little snack may seem innocent, but you want to be extra careful when it comes to grapes.
‘Whole grapes in children who are under 12? No, they scare me, cut them into quarters,’ Dr Arthur says.
Again, the majority of people who choke to death, do so on food, and Dr Suzanne explains grapes are the perfect size and texture to block a child’s airway completely.
‘They’re difficult to remove once lodged and they’re one of the most common causes of fatal choking in young children,’ she explains.
The more obvious hazards
- Trampolines: Dr Arthur insists that you need to live you life and enjoy trampolines, however he would not advise a trampoline park. ‘So many other people to crash into,’ he says. ‘Also the gaps between the trampolines!’
- Bikes and motorbikes: Now, bikes with a helmet and proper protective clothing are fine (albeit, still a bit dangerous), but Dr Arthur goes as far as to label it a ‘safeguarding concern’ if a child is injured because of cycling without a helmet.
- Not wearing sunscreen: ‘I don’t even have to go into this one,’ Dr Arthur adds. Although if you need a refresher, read here.
- Fireworks: ‘I love fireworks as long as they’re 100 metres away from children,’ he says. ‘Children should not be anywhere near these things.’
- Pub fights: ‘They’re far more dangerous than you think,’ the doctor says.
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