October 31 can often be a busy night for the emergency department (ED). 
In fact, Halloween ranks among the top for holiday-related injuries to children. When you consider the fact that sugar-fueled children and teens dressed in costumes are wandering the streets causing mischief, it makes good sense. Let’s take a look at some of the injuries emergency medicine physicians and nurse practitioners can expect this Halloween.
In fact, Halloween ranks among the top for holiday-related injuries to children. When you consider the fact that sugar-fueled children and teens dressed in costumes are wandering the streets causing mischief, it makes good sense. Let’s take a look at some of the injuries emergency medicine physicians and nurse practitioners can expect this Halloween.
- Finger and hand lacerations. Oh those pesky jack-o-lanterns. A study published in Pediatrics showed that of the injuries suffered by children on Halloween, 18% were to the finger or hand and 33% of those injuries were lacerations. The cuts likely were likely sustained while attempting to carve a pumpkin.
- Pedestrian strikes. Unfortunately, with so many additional pedestrians on the streets, the chances of a fatal childhood pedestrian death increases four times on Halloween.
- Broken bones. Going up and down front stoops in unfamiliar clothing or a visually restrictive mask often results is a nasty fall.
Let’s not forget that Halloween festivities are not just for the kids. Adults also get in on the celebration and they may end up visiting the local emergency room for any of the following conditions:
- Alcohol poisoning. An internet-based study of the drinking habits of college students found that Halloween is one of the heaviest drinking days in the academic year.
- Eye infections/abrasions. Decorative contact lenses may be the perfect touch to a great costume, but they may also land the wearer in the ED with a nasty eye infection or abrasion. Because decorative lenses are not serving a medical purpose, they do not need to meet the same standards as corrective contact lenses.
- Egg-related violence. According to a New York Times article, at least 24 people have been seriously wounded or killed in stabbings, shootings, beatings or accidents sparked by egg-throwing confrontations around Halloween.
This is by no means an exhaustive list. Feel free to leave a comment below with any Halloween-specific injuries you may have treated or suffered.
