'Make Halloween a Spooktacular treat for children', says North West Ambulance Service

Enjoy a safe and happy halloween night

Parents are being urged to follow a few simple safety tips to ensure this Halloween is a safe and spooky treat for their children.

Traditionally, emergency 999 calls to the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) rise on Halloween, but this could be avoided if the public followed simple safety advice.

NWAS is urging parents to ensure they always accompany children when they are ‘trick or treating’, to make sure children carry a torch or glow stick and wear reflective clothing to make them visible to drivers.

Well-fitting masks, costumes and shoes should be worn to avoid blocked vision, trips and falls; children should learn how to cross the road properly as more accidents happen in the dark and face paints should be tested on a small area of skin first to check for irritation. Please also remember not to leave burning candles or pumpkin lanterns unattended or near flammable materials.

Director of Operations at NWAS, Derek Cartwright, said: “Halloween can be an exciting time for children and young people but combined with the dark nights, children can be vulnerable to avoidable accidents.

“Emergency calls to the ambulance service soar at this time of year. We are urging parents to ensure their children are safe so they can enjoy the night and ambulances are free to attend life-threatening emergencies.

“People should think before they dial 999 about whether they really need an ambulance. More appropriate treatment could be available at a minor injuries unit, walk in centre, GP or pharmacy.”

If you need advice about choosing the right NHS service for your needs call NHS 111.