Pumpkin Carving Safety: A Tradition Worth Protecting

Why Pumpkin Carving Can Be Risky

Every fall, millions of families carve pumpkins to celebrate Halloween. It’s a beloved tradition—but also one that lands thousands in the emergency room each year. A 2022 American Journal of Emergency Medicine study found nearly 20,600 pumpkin-carving knife injuries between 2012 and 2021, averaging about 1,800 hand injuries per year. Most happen during the last week of October, with a peak on October 30th.

A Personal Memory — and a Close Call

As a kid, I remember spending hours designing “Bart Simpson” pumpkins with acrylic paint and big round light bulbs for eyes. I didn’t know it then, but was very fortunate to have dodged serious injury. The structures in our hands are fragile! Tendons, nerves, and arteries sit just beneath the skin, and a single slip of the knife can lead to lasting damage.

How to Carve Pumpkins Safely

Today, I still carve pumpkins, but with a much greater appreciation for safety. The key is preparation: carve in a well-lit, dry space, use pumpkin carving kits instead of kitchen knives, and cut away from your free hand in small, controlled strokes. Let children draw or scoop out the pumpkin, but leave the cutting to adults.

What to Do If a Pumpkin Carving Injury Happens

If an accident happens, wash your hands, clean the wound, and apply firm pressure for up to ten minutes. Never hesitate to seek emergency care, especially if the bleeding doesn’t stop or you can’t move your finger. These steps can make the difference between a minor scare and a major hand injury.

Keeping the Tradition Safe for Everyone

Halloween should be about creativity, laughter, and glowing pumpkins. Save the bandages for the mummies and stitches for "FranklinStein". With a little planning and a lot of care, we can keep this tradition safe for everyone - and maybe even bring back those classic “Bart Simpson” pumpkins that once lit up my childhood porch.

About the Author

Justin Stehr OTR/L, CHT, WCC, CEAS

REFERENCES

Johnson CA, LaRochelle L, Newton WN, Daly CA. Pumpkin carving knife injuries: National incidence and trends of hand injury. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. 2022;60:83-87. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2022.07.052