I ran the machine needle through my left index finger when I was six and just learning to sew. My dad just unscrewed the needle holder, pulled the needle out of my finger with pliers, and put Iodine on it (much more painful than the needle!) I screamed so loud I'm surprised the neighbors didn't call the authorities.
So today my only two ironclad rules for sewing are:
1. Keep your fingers a safe distance from your machine needle, and:
2. Measure twice, cut once.
Dana