Day 7 One Punch

Day 7 of our Advent Calendar is by Kevin S H. LOHSG Publicity Officer?and Executive Committee Member.

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Christmas time is a time for parties.

With parties comes lots of alcohol.

Too much alcohol can make you act in ways that you wouldn't when sober, because the way we process information is affected when we've been drinking.?We're more likely to misinterpret other people's behaviour and misread social cues.

This Christmas, as we go out partying, please...??

Stop the drunken violence??

In 2017 a single unprovoked punch by a drunken teenager killed my mum’s cousin, Leonard Saunders. Two youths approached, both drunk, and asked Len for a cigarette. When Len replied that he didn’t smoke, one of the youths punched him hard in the face. Len fell to the ground smashing his skull on the kerb. A single punch to the head led to his death nine days later.

It caused trauma and upset for our family, led to a 17 year old losing his freedom, a community was left without a champion, and probably caused torment and shame for the killer’s family.??

Think about the consequences??

Punching someone in the head can be just as lethal as being stabbed. A blow to the head can:??

• cause fatal damage to the brain,??
• cause someone to stop breathing starving the brain of oxygen;??
• cause loss of consciousness due to striking their head on a hard surface.??

Walk Away! ?

Make it a night to remember for the right reasons. Here are some tips to keep you safe:??

• Don't drink on an empty stomach?
• Stay in control: The Chief Medical Officer recommends 2-3 units a day for men and women?
• Think about alternating alcoholic drinks with soft drinks?
• Stay hydrated: drink water before you go out, and during the night?
• Don’t leave your drinks unattended?
• Avoid trouble: alcohol can reduce your ability to think straight. Don’t be drawn into arguments. Walk away!?
• Plan your night: tell someone where you are going and what time you expect to be back. Book a taxi before you go out. ?

If you are not sure what the consequences of a single punch to the head can be please watch this TEDx video done by Jamie Denyer, whose family suffered similar grief. https://youtu.be/tiH7T6HsaxM ?

Today, 7th December, would have been Len’s 71st birthday. Sadly my family will not be celebrating it with him.?

Make sure your family celebrates your next birthday, and Christmas, with you.

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This article was prepared or accomplished by the author named at the top in their personal capacity. The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Lancashire Occupational Health and Safety Group. Similarly any facts mentioned have been taken in good faith as accurate. LOHSG is not responsible for any errors or omissions.?#wearelohsg

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