15 Apr A guide to the psychological impact of finger entrapment
The effects of finger entrapment can be truly devastating, with injuries like crushing, bruising and fractures just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the damage doors can cause. Those seeking medical help for a smashed finger may have to undergo surgery or amputation for something that is preventable with the installation of the simplest devices as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) discusses following the case of a London-based schoolboy:
“This little boy and his family could have been spared a lot of pain and upset if the trust had installed widely available, effective and inexpensive hinge guards on the doors the young children had access to. I would ask all schools to review their estates to make sure they have hinge guards where needed so no other children are hurt in this way when at school.”
Physical injury caused by finger entrapment is just part of the aftermath. Many individuals who have experienced trapping in doors suffer psychological problems post-injury, even long after their wounds have healed.
Acute shock and fear
With door trapping incidents happening in just a split second, intense pain and visible trauma are usually short-lived. The combination of the two however can trigger a shock response, with prolonged panic, fear, confusion or even temporary dissociation often coping mechanisms for people of all ages, especially overwhelmed children.
The fear element can last for days or even weeks after the initial injury. Many become overly aware of the dangers of doors, and environments that were once deemed safe are treated with extra caution or even hesitance. Some people alter their behaviour completely to avoid repeat episodes of finger trapping, keeping their distance or relying on others to open and close doors.
Ongoing guilt or self-blame
Whether you’re an adult who’s suffered injury following contact with dangerous hinge gaps or you’re the parent/guardian of a child that’s been affected, we wouldn’t blame you for replaying the trapping incident over and over in your head to ask what you could have done to prevent it. In fact, this is very, very common.
Even children experience a form of guilt, with many internalising blame and thinking they’ve done something wrong. Supporting your child with these psychological challenges is crucial both in the immediate aftermath of the trapping injury and long term.
Reduced confidence and independence
Finger entrapment can really knock your confidence, whatever your age or the scenario surrounding the incident. For children, a traumatic finger injury can slow their willingness to explore or interact with their environment. While adults may be more hesitant when completing routine physical tasks.
If the results of entrapment have been particularly extensive, resulting in visible injuries (including scars, deformities or amputation), the self-consciousness caused can also mean a hit for the individual’s self-esteem. Long term, this could influence body image and identity, and even mean negative connotations for relationships, social interactions and career choices.
Prevent entrapment and all the problems it brings
As we’ve learned from the list of psychological issues detailed above, hinge gap injuries don’t simply heal and disappear. They may happen suddenly, but they leave behind issues that can last a long time.
Make preventing such injuries your mission by exploring our door finger guards and enjoy peace of mind every single day.
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