With Halloween just around the corner, children will be headed out for Trick-or-Treat nights in various communities. ACMC Caregivers want everyone to stay safe, and offered the following information and safety tips.
ACMC Emergency Department Nurse Director Kathy Doytek, RN, said parents should watch their children carefully while escorting them for Trick-or-Treat nights. “We have seen injuries from pedestrians hit by cars. Talk to your children before going out. Discuss the dangers of running into the street.”
ACMC Emergency Department physician Archie Wilkinson, MD, said children should stay aware of their surroundings, especially when cars are around. “Don’t have your head down looking at your phone. Keep your head up. Make eye contact with the driver of any cars near you.”
He suggested an adult accompany children under the age of 12. For trick-or-treaters 12 years old and up, travel in groups. “Stay on the sidewalk and don’t be crossing back-and-forth across the street. When you do need to cross, go the corner and be aware of the traffic.”
ACMC Pediatrician Jude Cauwenbergh, DO, also offered the following recommendations for a safe and fun trick-or-treat night:
- Use reflective tape on your child’s costume to ensure they can be seen by drivers on road
- Carry a flashlight
- Wear correct fitting shoes that have skid resistance on bottom- no high heels
- Make sure costumes are appropriate length – cut to fit
- Don’t wear a mask unless it fits comfortably and it allows the child to breathe. Use make-up if the mask does not fit well.
- Dress appropriately for the weather. If it is cold, make sure the child’s costume will keep them warm, or add additional layers under or over the costume.
- Always sort candy at end of night and throw away any suspicious looking wrappers or anything not in its original wrapper.
If you do suffer a minor injury trick or treating this Saturday, ACMC Express Care in Conneaut, Geneva, and Jefferson is open until 7:30 p.m. Co-pays at ACMC Express Care are similar to those of a physician office visit. Under most insurance plans, the co-pays and overall cost of the visit is less than what a patient will pay at an urgent care center or the Emergency Department. Visit www.acmchealth.org/expresscare for more information.