How to keep your kid out of the emergency room on Halloween night - WTOP News

Halloween night often brings a mix of fun and fright, but it can also be a risky time for kids and parents alike. This year, Dr. Miriam Fischer, an emergency room physician at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in D.C., warns that the usual dangers might be amplified. Since Halloween falls on a Friday night, with cold and wet weather expected, people are likely to stay out later than usual. Plus, with no school or work the next day, the streets could be busier well into the night. One of the biggest concerns on Halloween is drunk driving. Dr. Fischer points out that kids are twice as likely to be hit by a vehicle and killed on this night compared to others. Alarmingly, nearly half of the fatal accidents on Halloween involve drunk drivers. This makes it crucial for parents and guardians to stay vigilant and ensure their kids are safe while trick-or-treating. Another common cause of emergency room visits leading up to Halloween is pumpkin carving injuries. More than half of these visits stem from cuts to the hands and fingers caused by slips with knives. Dr. Fischer suggests being extra careful when handling carving tools or opting for safer alternatives. She also mentions that traditional jack-o’-lantern candles can be a fire hazard. Instead, using LED lights or other battery-operated options can reduce the risk of accidental fires. Trips and falls represent about 25% of Halloween ER visits, often happening while kids run eagerly from house to house. Excitement combined with costumes that have capes or long skirts, or masks that limit vision, can easily lead to stumbles on stairs or uneven walkways. Dr. Fischer recommends face paint over masks since it doesn’t obstruct kids’ sight as much, helping prevent falls. Visibility is another big factor in keeping kids safe on Halloween night. Dr. Fischer encourages parents to get creative to make their children more visible to drivers. Glow sticks are a simple and fun way to do this—they can be worn as necklaces, crowns, or attached to hats, ensuring kids stand out in the dark. She also advises only trick-or-treating at homes that have their porch lights on. Such houses not only welcome visitors but also provide better illumination, reducing the risk of trips over hidden obstacles like wet leaves or steps. With these tips in mind, parents can help make Halloween night safer and more enjoyable. Keeping an eye on children, choosing safer costume options, and ensuring proper lighting can go a long way in preventing emergency room visits. Awareness of the increased risks this year, especially related to drunk driving and later curfews, should encourage families to plan their evening carefully. After all, the goal is to have a fun, spooky night without any scary trips to the ER.