Expert offers important advice to butchers ahead of Eid al-Adha

Dr. Şükran Koca, a faculty member in the Department of Emergency Medicine at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (ZBEÜ), stated that because knives used in animal slaughter are sharpened, even minor trauma can lead to major cuts.

Koca said, "The priority, if there is bleeding in the wound, is to stop the bleeding. We recommend applying pressure with a clean cloth. We do not want any medication or ointment applied to this wound."

Dr. Koca stated that the use of tourniquets and traditional methods such as applying tobacco or tobacco leaves can disrupt the blood supply to the area and lead to more serious health problems.

Furthermore, she noted that if knives that have come into contact with infected meat are used, antibiotic treatment should be initiated. Pointing out common misconceptions, Koca said, "Incorrect practices are what cause us the most trouble. There is a cultural tendency to feed and give drinks to patients after even the smallest trauma. 'Let's pour cologne, let's give them something to eat or drink.' However, if they are going to come to a healthcare facility during this period, we do not want them to be given anything to eat or drink."

''BOTH THE INJURED PERSON AND THE PERSON PROVIDING AID MUST REMAIN CALM''

Dr. Koca touched upon the importance of both the injured person and the person providing aid remaining calm.

Koca said, "Both the injured person and the person providing aid need to be very calm. If they are not calm, if there is panic, the severity of the injury increases. Unnecessary interventions increase. We can cause unnecessary blood loss."

She also stated that individuals who are not well-versed in the subject might underestimate serious injuries, which could prevent them from seeking medical attention.

''THE FIRST THING WE RECOMMEND IS THE PREVENTION OF INJURY''

Emphasizing the importance of taking protective measures during animal slaughter and ensuring the work is done by qualified individuals, Dr. Koca said, "In such injuries, preventing the injury is actually important. It is important to be careful with sharp knives and to have the work done by qualified people. The first thing we recommend for injuries is to take protective measures and prevent the injury from occurring in the first place."

She stated that in the event of an injury, one should apply to the nearest healthcare facility. She warned that applying unknown treatments at home could lead to bigger problems.

''WE DO NOT RECOMMEND REMOVING THE KNIFE''

Dr. Koca suggested that the most correct method to stop bleeding is a pressure dressing, and if dressing materials are not available at home, applying pressure with a clean cloth.

Recalling practices such as pouring sugar on wounds, Koca said, "We do not want sugar there at all. Because it causes organisms to reproduce there. It has no blood-stopping capability. The only thing to do for bleeding is a pressure dressing. Dressing materials might not be at home. That is why we say a clean cloth. Applying pressure with a clean cloth. We do not want medication or ointment applied."

Koca stated that foreign objects should not be removed from the site, adding, "We do not recommend removing the foreign object, such as a knife, at the scene. It increases the amount of bleeding. It needs to be removed in qualified hands under appropriate conditions with appropriate treatment."

Advising butchers to be careful during Eid al-Adha and to take the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of injury, Dr. Koca said, "One must be careful during slaughtering operations, knives must be used by qualified people, and correct first aid must be applied in case of any injury."

Koca once again reminded of the importance of applying to healthcare facilities at the moment of injury.

News Source: İHA