Halloween should be a fun night of costumes, candy and neighborhood celebrations, but it can also bring unexpected trips to the emergency room. As families prepare for trick-or-treating on Saturday, Oct. 31, HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital are reminding parents and motorists to take extra precautions, especially as golf carts, e-bikes and electric scooters become increasingly common in Florida neighborhoods.
Pedestrian safety is a major concern, particularly when children are walking through neighborhoods after dark. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,080 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 71,635 pedestrians were injured in traffic crashes nationwide in calendar year 2024. The statistics underscore the importance of staying alert, slowing down and watching for children on Halloween night.
“We want Halloween to be about making fun memories, not preventable emergencies,” said Dr. Evgenia Slavcheva, Chief Medical Officer for HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin and Twin Cities Hospitals. “Children can become distracted by the excitement of trick-or-treating, and drivers may not anticipate how quickly a child can step into the street. Whether families are walking, driving or using golf carts, a few extra precautions can prevent a tragedy.”
Halloween safety tips for families and drivers
HCA Florida Healthcare recommends a few simple precautions to help prevent common Halloween injuries:
• Motorists: Slow down in residential neighborhoods, put away phones and watch carefully for children at intersections, crosswalks and driveways. Never drive impaired.
• Parents: Choose well-fitting costumes, add reflective tape and provide flashlights or glow sticks. Use makeup or face paint instead of masks, especially for young children. Supervise younger children and remind everyone to use sidewalks and crosswalks.
• Treat safety: Inspect candy for choking hazards and check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
• Prevent injuries: Let adults handle pumpkin-carving tools, use battery-operated candles instead of open flames and encourage water breaks in Florida’s warm weather.
Know when to seek emergency care
Parents should seek emergency care for serious head injuries, suspected broken bones, deep cuts, significant burns or severe allergic reactions.
“Our goal is to help families prevent injuries before they happen,” said (Dr. Slavcheva). “But when an accident occurs, recognizing the signs of a serious injury and seeking prompt medical attention can literally save a life, or prevent more serious complications.”
Not sure if your Halloween accident needs emergency attention? You can call HCA Florida Healthcare’s free Consult-A-Nurse service to talk to a licensed nurse 24/7 who can guide you on next steps. The calls are personalized, confidential and available to everyone at 844-70-NURSE (844-706-8773).
For life-threatening emergencies, including difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness or severe trauma, call 911 immediately.
Families are encouraged to identify their nearest emergency room before heading out for Halloween festivities. For more information about HCA Florida Healthcare’s emergency services or to find a nearby emergency room, visit Locations | HCA Florida.
