- Purchase a pumpkin carving kit!
- The tools provided in these kits promote a safer carving experience. Do not use kitchen knives; they are very sharp and place you at greater risk of injury.
- Let an adult handle the carving!
- It is safest to have kids help remove the guts and trace a fun design onto the pumpkin with a marker.
- Keep your hands dry!
- Slippery hands make it difficult to safely hold carving tools and your pumpkin increasing your risk of injury. Keep a towel with you to wipe your hands.
- Cut away from you!
- Never cut towards yourself or in line of any body parts (for example, do not put your other hand on the pumpkin behind the area you are carving).
- Cut small and take your time.
- If an injury occurs…
- Take a clean cloth and apply pressure directly on the wound. If bleeding does not slow down or stop within 15 minutes, go to the emergency room.
Happy Halloween and Safe Carving!
Erika Serviolo, MS, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Phone: 609-245-7420
Erika is an occupational therapist who works in the RWJ Rehabilitation at Lawrenceville, NJ office. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson University and strives to connect with her patients by providing client-centered care. She enjoys collaborating with her patients to promote a happy and satisfying life.
If a hand injury does occur, your doctor may recommend hand therapy with an occupational therapist. Our RWJBH Occupational Therapists are here to help! Contact our RWJ Rehabilitation at Lawrenceville office at 609-245-7420 or our RWJ Hamilton office at 609-584-6640.