Halloween is a night of fright, fun, candy, and laughter. Plus, you get to dress up and be whoever you want for one night.
For children, it's a night filled with delicious treats and imagination. For adults, it’s a mix of nostalgia, creativity, and maybe a few spooky parties.
But what about for nurses? (Especially those who work in the emergency room.)
Well, for nurses and other medical professionals who work on Halloween night, it’s sort of like a haunted house—but filled with a surge of Halloween injuries.
From twisted ankles to burns and costume hazards to fall injuries, and Halloween decorations gone wrong (like, terribly wrong), here are the top injuries that happen on this scary night—and how to keep your Halloween full of treats instead of trips to the emergency room (ER).
Inside the ER: What really happens on Halloween night
Who says saving lives can't come with a side of spook?
Each year, hospitals brace for a predictable uptick in pediatric injuries on October 31st. When asked what the most common types of injuries reported on Halloween are, nurses cite the following as some of the most common Halloween injuries:
- Sprains
- Broken bones
- Minor burns
- Allergic reactions (most frequent)
Many of these incidents stem from costume hazards, fire safety issues, or lapses in pedestrian safety. Research shows that ocular injuries from flying eggs and flatus from Gummy Bears are unique injuries related to Halloween.
While Halloween is all about creativity and fun, nurses say it’s also important to keep a few key first aid tips in mind to handle any unexpected scares safely.
Understanding Halloween safety basics
So, how can parents ensure their children’s safety while trick-or-treating?
It begins with preparation. Parents should always accompany young children, plan safe trick-or-treat routes, and make sure everyone is visible with reflective costumes, glow sticks, or flashlights. According to research, children are 4 times more likely to be struck by cars on Halloween than on other nights.
Reviewing Halloween safety and emergency contact information before heading out is another crucial step. Nurses note that most Halloween injuries occur between 6 and 9 p.m. when visibility drops and crowds peak. Set clear boundaries with older children and check in regularly by phone or text.
Awareness and visibility, they stress, are the strongest defenses against preventable accidents.
Common trick-or-treating injuries and how to avoid them
Even with preparation, trick-or-treating injuries happen quickly. Many occur when children run between houses, wear oversized costumes, or fail to look both ways before crossing the street. Dimly lit neighborhoods often exacerbate the problem, leading to falls and pedestrian accidents.
One simple yet critical tip is to find well-lit neighborhoods to trick-or-treat in.
Another tip is to hold a meeting with your neighbors or town council to agree on lowering the speed limit in residential areas, which can dramatically reduce pedestrian safety incidents.
How can drivers be more cautious during Halloween night?
If you are driving a car, slow down. Also, drive below the speed limit, avoid distractions (eyes on the road not your phone), and be prepared for children to dart into the road unexpectedly.
Costume safety: Avoiding costume hazards
When choosing costumes, parents often prioritize appearance over practicality—and that’s where problems begin.
What costume materials are safest for children to wear?
- Flame-resistant fabrics, such as nylon or polyester, are best.
- Avoid long, flowing sleeves and dragging capes.
- Avoid loose accessories that could catch on objects or cause tripping.
Masks that block vision or cheap makeup products (allergic reactions) are other common culprits. Instead, non-toxic face paint is a safer choice. Always test it on a small area of skin before applying it to a larger area to prevent irritation.
Home and yard hazards: Halloween decorations done safely
Decorating for Halloween is part of the fun, but it can create hazards if not handled carefully.
What are some tips for safe Halloween decoration practices?
Experts suggest keeping walkways clear of cords and props, using battery-powered or LED candles for pumpkin carving safety.
Every year, ERs treat burns caused by decorative torches, fire pits, or real candles placed too close to doorways. It’s also essential to follow proper candle usage to prevent open flames from coming into contact with costumes or drapes.
Choosing safer alternatives not only prevents accidents but keeps the spooky atmosphere intact without risk.
Candy concerns: Managing allergies and health risks
Sweets are the highlight of Halloween, but they also pose real risks.
Are there specific foods that are commonly associated with Halloween allergies?
Experts report that peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, and chocolate are the top offenders. Individually wrapped candies often lack allergen labeling, increasing the chance of cross-contamination.
Families should carefully inspect all treats and keep an epinephrine auto-injector nearby for children with known allergies.
Health risks related to Halloween candy also include overeating, stomach upset, and choking hazards from small, hard candies.
Offering non-food treats like stickers or glow bracelets is a fun and inclusive alternative.
Staying visible and preventing fall injuries at night
Walking in the dark adds an extra layer of danger to Halloween festivities.
How can you prevent falls and accidents while walking in the dark?
- Wearing reflective costumes
- Carrying flashlights
- Sticking to well-lit streets with sidewalks.
Additionally, running between houses or cutting across lawns increases the risk of fall injuries. It’s probably best to walk at a steady pace (or at least try your best) on Halloween night.
Hospitals frequently see sprains and scrapes from tripping over uneven pavement or long hems.
Checking shoes and costumes for proper fit before heading out can make a big difference. A few seconds of preparation can save a trip to the emergency room.
Burns, cuts, and fire safety issues
Open flames, fireworks, and sharp carving tools are common sources of Halloween injuries. Nurses remind families that safety with fireworks and pumpkin carvings should be top priorities.
Children should never handle carving tools unsupervised, and carving should always be done in a clean, well-lit area.
For those using candles, proper candle usage means keeping flames away from flammable fabrics and never leaving them unattended. Many professionals suggest switching to LED options to prevent burns and fires altogether.
Quick first aid tips every family should know
Even with preparation, minor mishaps are inevitable.
What should you do if someone gets injured during Halloween activities?
- For small cuts, wash the area with soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and cover it with a clean bandage.
- For burns, cool the area under running water for at least ten minutes. For sprains, apply ice and elevate the injury.
- For allergic reactions, use prescribed medications immediately and seek emergency care if symptoms worsen.
Being prepared can make all the difference, which raises another question: What first aid supplies should families have on hand for Halloween?
A simple kit can handle most emergencies with:
- Adhesive bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Gauze
- Ice packs
- Gloves
- Epinephrine injector
Don’t forget a flashlight and a charged phone for quick access to emergency contact information.
When to seek emergency care
Some situations require professional help right away. Seek emergency care if there is uncontrolled bleeding, severe burns, head injuries, or difficulty breathing after allergen exposure.
Medical professionals emphasize that it’s always better to be cautious, especially when children are involved. Quick action can prevent long-term complications and ensure a faster recovery.
Community involvement for safer celebrations
Safety becomes stronger when it’s shared. So, how can communities promote Halloween safety for all ages?
Local organizations can host community safety events, hand out reflective gear, or organize safe trick-or-treat routes.
Fire departments can offer fire safety workshops, and schools can teach kids about first aid tips and responsible behavior.
Working together ensures that every child enjoys the holiday safely — and every nurse ends their shift a little less exhausted.
Keeping Halloween fun and injury-free
A fun Halloween doesn’t have to mean a risky one. You just need to plan ahead and stay alert. Having a first aid kit on hand is also helpful. Halloween should be a mix of spookiness, entertainment, and delicious treats.
A small twist of events, like a Halloween injury, can end up ruining the fun. Keep a few safety tricks up your sleeve so your night ends with candy, not bandages.
Are you a nurse working on Halloween? Or perhaps you'd like to pick up a shift on that ghoulish night to help out your local community?
Find per diem nursing jobs with Nursa and make a real difference while keeping the night safe for everyone.
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