Unfortunately every year a few ghosts and witches wind up in the ER from trick-or-treating injuries. And while most people know to avoid unwrapped candy, they may be unaware of other common injuries. As ER doctor I’ve seen it all, injuries such as falls from long dragging costumes and masks that obstruct their vision to those more tragic situations such as kids getting burned from jack-o-lantern candles or getting hit by cars.
So here are some tips from the American College of Emergency Physicians to keep your little goblins safe this Halloween.
1. Make sure costumes are bright and visible after dark or use reflective tape on darker costumes
2. Make sure costumes are flame retardant and try to avoid costumes that are too big or long and drag on the ground as well as make sure masks fit and don’t obstruct their vision
3. Obey traffic signals and stay on the sidewalks whenever possible
4. Have children stick together in groups in well lit neighborhoods that are familiar to them
5. Try to avoid sharp costume accessories such as swords and knifes instead use flexible ones and keep them away from their eyes and face while walking (the old no running with a scissors rule applies here too)
After all no one wants to trick-or-treat in the emergency room!
