Halloween is a fun time for children, but it can be an injury-prone holiday, too.

Each year, BC Children’s Hospital, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority, and BC Ambulance Service (BCAS) attend to many preventable injuries involving cars and trick-or-treaters, burns from fireworks, falls, choking and cuts from pumpkin-carving.

This year, BC Children’s and BCAS are partnering to provide tips for parents to keep little ghosts and goblins safe and happy this time of year.

“Kids are excited at Halloween. There is lots of nervous energy and lots of activities happening, so parents and kids can be easily distracted,” says Dr. Shelina Babul, associate director and sports injury specialist, BC Injury and Research Prevention Unit at BC Children’s. “It only takes a few seconds for an injury to occur, but by thinking ahead you can safeguard your kids and enjoy the day and evening.”​

“Halloween has become much more of a community-wide celebration; it’s more than just trick-or-treating these days,” says BCAS unit chief Marilyn Oberg. “We do see an increase in calls at Halloween, so we are strongly encouraging everyone — kids, teens and adults — to be safe and responsible whether they are out on the streets or attending celebrations.”​

For More Information
PSA: Halloween Safety Tips from BC Ambulance Service and BC Children’s Hospital