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Have a safe and fun
Halloween
IT'S that spooky time of year for
frightening fun and delightful treats, but for North West Ambulance Service (NWAS)
Halloween or 'Mischief Night' is 1 of the busiest times of
the year.
Many of the gruesome and ghoulish injuries Ambulance crews see could be easily
avoided if people take a few simple steps to make sure everyone has a terrific
rather than terrifying time. Both the young and old all enjoy dressing up and a
lot of effort goes into the perfect outfit but sadly some costumes can be
extremely dangerous. With more candles and lanterns around to help create that
Halloween atmosphere, check costumes are "flame resistant" with a
visible CE mark. Remember to never leave burning candles or pumpkin lanterns
unattended, better still replace the candles with torches and lights.
Capes and long material are very common in costumes and not only can they be a
fire risk they can cause trips and falls. Stay clear of any costumes that are
too tight around the neck and it is best that masks fit properly and have holes
big enough to see out of. Try costumes on before the big night to be sure it
fits properly and can walk around comfortably. If using face paints test them on
a small area of the skin 1st to check for any irritation.
Parents should always go with their children when going 'trick or
treating.' Stick to the streets and areas that you know and be
respectful of your neighbours. To help children be more visible to drivers to
prevent any road accidents it's a good idea if they wear something reflective,
or give them a torch or glow sticks to carry. Wrap up warm or perhaps wear
clothes under a costume to stop from catching a chill.
Advanced Paramedic, David Blowers, said:- "Halloween is a really fun time
of year and we want everyone to have a really great time. To stop it turning
into something scarier it is important to keep in mind our simple safety tips.
The Halloween weekend is also a very popular time for party goers and adults who
should also follow this safety advice. Remember to drink in moderation, have
plenty of soft drinks and plan your journey home when on a night out. We are
extremely busy so please only call:- 999 for life threatening and potentially
life threatening emergencies only. There are other healthcare options out there
for less serious incidents such as Walk In Centers, your GP, pharmacies or by
getting advice from the NHS via calling:- 111."
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