The Real Scares of Halloween: Why People End Up in the ER?

Halloween, one of the most celebrated holidays in America, is a spooky festival of dressing up as ghosts, goblins, and other ghoulish activities (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
Risk of preventable injuries associated with Halloween

Go to source). Millions of kids and adults participate in the festivities every year across the United States by dressing up, attending parties, carving pumpkins, and knocking on doors to find candy.

Even though the night is supposed to be full of pretend horror and laughter, it also leads to more people going to the ER in real life.

A large study conducted by researchers at the University of Chicago, analyzing data from more than 150 million Americans, uncovered surprising trends about Halloween-related injuries. It is neither the traffic accidents nor the poisoned candy that bring people to the ER, but, on the contrary, the accidents and mishaps that occur during the parties, as well as the accidents that could have been prevented!

The Study That Unmasked the Halloween Risks

The IBM Health MarketScan database, which tracks insurance claims from 2003 to 2014, was used by the researchers to investigate the frequency of those injured around Halloween. They analyzed thousands of hospital-related injury diagnoses (car accidents and poisonings) and falls and assaults and compared the rates during the Halloween week (28 October–3 November) with the rest of the month.

To ensure that the findings were accurate, they also contrasted the data with Columbus Day, another October holiday that does not necessitate late-night festivities and costume changes. This comparison made it possible to see what made Halloween unique.

When the Halloween Costumes Trip You Up

The first surprising finding? The observed increase in the number of accidental falls, particularly among women aged 21–40.

Football Halloween parties and costume contests are likely to include fancy shoes, long flowing dresses, low lighting, and crowded bars, all of which are perfect conditions for slips, falls, and crashes.

Even decorations used outdoors, such as extension cords or fog machines, can cause potential injuries to festive fun when combined with high heels, floor-length dresses, masks that make people less visible, and so forth. These may appear to be minor accidents, but they are among the most common causes of ER visits during Halloween.

Tricks, Treats, and Tensions: Injuries Inflicted by Halloween Fights

Another significant increase in injuries caused by others was also found to be among the young men aged 11-40. Such incidents were previously associated with physical fights or roughhousing, especially at large gatherings, parties, or even public celebrations.

Young adults and teenagers are at a high risk, especially because the event of Halloween usually involves alcohol or challenges. This data revealed that the risk was the highest during Halloween night among teens and the day after among adults, probably because of the conflicts during the night or their visits to the ER after the impact of alcohol intake or injury.

The Silent Scare: Self-Inflicted Injuries During Halloween

The most alarming finding was, perhaps, the increase in self-harming behaviors in men between the ages of 21 and 40.

During Halloween week, the relative risk increased by 31%. This may be attributed to stress, loneliness, drug abuse or emotional stimuli during a time when there are high social expectations.

Although Halloween is regarded as a festive and escapist occasion, it may be emotionally weighty to others. Alcohol and peer pressure, together with arousal, can result in impulsive behavior and self-harming.

Halloween Road Accidents?

Interestingly, the study found no significant rise in traffic accidents, poisonings, or drug-related injuries during the Halloween week, as most people think.

Previous studies had raised the hypothesis that there are increased pedestrian fatalities of children during Halloween, but in this study, insurance coverage was on a large scale, demonstrating that in most age groups, the cases are infrequent.

With that said, the 43% rise in child pedestrian fatalities cited in other research is still a necessary lesson for parents and communities to be extra vigilant on trick-or-treating.

Halloween ER Spike Are Human-Made and Preventable

The statistics create a vivid image that the greatest threats of Halloween are not supernatural or mysterious; they are made by humans and can be avoided.

• Fights and risky behavior would injure young adults, particularly men.
• Women in their 20s and 30s are more likely to fall accidentally as a result of costumes and parties.
• Emotional health is also a contributing factor, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness during the holidays.

The researchers concluded that although Halloween did not pose serious dangers to traffic and poisoning, there are other dangers posed by the social aspect of the celebration, such as alcohol, crowds and late-night activities.

Keep Your Halloween Night Safe and Spooky — Not Scary

Halloween does not necessarily have to conclude in a hospital. The holiday can be enjoyable and safe for everybody with only a few straightforward steps:

• Choose comfortable costumes: Avoid high heels, trailing dresses or masks that block your vision.
• Moderate alcohol intake: When someone is drinking, it usually leads to fights and self-harm.
• Be attentive and kind: Don't fight at parties, and watch out for depressed friends.
• Plan safe transportation: Do not drive under the influence or allow other people to drive under the influence.
• Supervise kids closely: Use reflective costumes, carry flashlights, and cross streets carefully.

The study’s message is simple: most Halloween ER visits are preventable. By being aware of these hidden hazards and taking minor precautions, everyone can enjoy the night without fear of a real fright.

Reference:

1. Risk of preventable injuries associated with Halloween - (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S003335062030456X)

Source-Medindia