New Year’s Eve celebrations should be filled with fun and festivities, not emergency department visits. While you make your big plans, consider how you will keep yourself and those around you safe.
Johns Hopkins Children’s Center pediatric emergency medicine physician Mary Beth Howard and director of the pediatric burn program Alejandro Garcia share some of the most common ways children get hurt around New Year’s Eve, and how caregivers can help avoid these injuries.
Preventing Falls
Injuries from falls are often related to crowded or unfamiliar environments. Keep a close eye on kids, especially when celebrating in a new area.
Avoiding Burns
Garcia says this time of year, he mostly sees burns from space heaters and kitchen accidents. If you’re using a space heater, put a gate around it to keep kids at a safe distance. Don’t leave kids unattended in the kitchen, especially near a hot stove or oven.
Keeping Adolescents Away from Alcohol
Popping champagne is a common way to celebrate the new year, but only people over the age of 21 should be participating. Talk to your kids about the dangers of underage drinking. Know where and how your child is celebrating to ensure drugs and alcohol are not involved.
Continuing to Practice Safe Sleep
Even during a holiday or celebration, safe sleep practices should remain top of mind. Infants under one year of age should always sleep alone, on their backs, on a firm, flat surface. A baby under the age of one should never sleep in bed with a parent, especially when the parent is impaired. See safe sleep recommendations here.
Eliminating Impaired Supervision
Parents or caregivers who plan on drinking during the holiday should arrange childcare now. According to Howard, children are more at risk of injury when a parent or caregiver is under the influence of alcohol. If you’re celebrating with children, stay sober and alert in case of an accident or emergency.
Averting Motor Vehicle–related Injuries
Never drive when under the influence of alcohol, period with or without children in the car. If your celebration runs late and you find yourself too tired to drive home, make plans to spend the night somewhere else or call a cab or ride-share service.
(Newswise/HG)
