ER visits increase during Halloween: Local doctor gives safety tips

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Halloween is a fun time full of sweets and scares, but Ascension hospital wants you to avoid the biggest fright: a trip to the ER.

"Annually we see about 3,200 visits to the emergency department, and that's throughout the country," said Dr. Chris Ford from Ascension Columbia St. Mary's hospital.

According to the most recent report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

25 percent of Halloween hospital visits are due to falls, either from putting up decorations or trick-or-treating.

20 percent are from allergic reactions or other injuries, and 55% of Halloween hospital visits are related to pumpkin carving accidents.

"The cutting aspect of the pumpkin, the actual carving, should be adult only. Kids can definitely help out in other ways," Dr. Ford said.

The hospital also sees an increase in pedestrian injuries.

"Pedestrian accidents, as well as falls in general, are most common around this time of year," Dr. Ford said. "Some of that has to do with the fact that there's distracted walking and distracted driving."

Dr. Ford recommends parents chaperone young trick or treaters; hold their hand, stay on sidewalks, and look both ways.

"Especially if it's getting darker, kids can have reflective tape on the bottom of their costumes, you can walk around with those flashlights," Ford said.

It's also important to ensure your kid's costume isn't a tripping hazard, and that they can see well.

"A lot of times what we recommend is against the full-face mask that will include their vision," Dr. Ford said.

Meanwhile, for the adults:

"Make sure that you're drinking responsibly, making sure that you're not drinking and driving," Ford said. "We want to make sure everybody stays safe; we want to make sure you do have fun."