October 3, 2006 -- ROSEMONT, Ill. -- Carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns, getting spooked wandering through a haunted house and collecting candy while out trick-or-treating are a few of the things that make Halloween a festive time of year for children and adults alike. Yet Halloween can be a particularly dangerous holiday so it's important to heed safety precautions. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) urges parents and caregivers to be aware of potential safety hazards in order to protect youngsters.

It's not just the candy at Halloween that poses a threat. Dark, poorly-fitted costumes and tools used for carving pumpkins also can invite harm. Halloween-related accidents include such injuries as fractures, dislocations, sprains, contusions, lacerations, abrasions and head trauma. For example, even though carving pumpkins is a fun activity for the whole family, it's important that children never use carving tools which are small and can slip easily from hands. Instead let the kids scoop out the pulp and the seeds. As for minimizing injuries while "trick-or-treating," make sure children wear bright costumes that fit well with reflectors and stay clear of roadways, unlit areas and busy intersections.

"Kids love Halloween time and properly supervising their excitement can go a long way toward preventing injuries," said David Apple, MD, orthopaedic surgeon and member of the AAOS. "But broken bones and other injuries can happen from something as mundane tripping over the hem of a costume that's too long, or a curb that goes unseen because a child's vision is obstructed by a mask. Adults who pay attention to the details can help keep the kids safer."

Dr. Apple also said before letting the kids go trick-or-treating, develop a game plan the night before to establish pre-determined check points and prepare children with information on whom to call and where to go in an emergency.

In addition to the above, the Academy offers the following helpful tips on what to look out for at Halloween time to keep children safe and prevent injuries:

• Before eating any candy, all treats must be thoroughly examined by adults for evidence of tampering.
• Never let children carve pumpkins. Adults carving pumpkins should remember to use specifically designed carving knives, rather than kitchen knives, as they are less likely to get stuck in the thick pumpkin skin. Also, cut in small, controlled strokes, away from oneself.
• Carving knives should be kept in a clean, dry, well-lit area. Any moisture on the tools, hands, or table can cause the knife to slip, leading to injuries.
• Should an individual cut a finger or hand while pumpkin carving, make sure the hand is elevated higher than the heart and apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding. If continuous pressure does not slow or stop the bleeding after 15 minutes, an emergency room visit may be required.
• Halloween costumes should be light and bright, so children are clearly visible to motorists and other pedestrians. Trim costumes and bags with reflective tape that glows in the dark.
• Costumes should be flame-resistant and fit properly. Costumes that are too long may cause kids to trip and fall.
• Children should wear sturdy, comfortable, slip-resistant shoes.
• Masks can impair a child's vision, so parents may want leave the masks at home and use face makeup instead.
• Drivers should be extra careful while driving in residential neighborhoods on Halloween.
• When trick-or-treating children should stay in familiar neighborhoods and be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• It is important that children walk on sidewalks and never cut across yards or driveways. They should also obey all traffic signals and remain in designated crosswalks when crossing the street.
• Trick-or-treaters should only approach houses that are well lit. Both children and parents should carry flashlights to see and be seen.
• It's also a good idea to carry a cell phone while trick-or-treating in case an emergency arises.
• Parents should consider sending their child to a local Halloween event or holding a neighborhood party to ensure safety.
• If a child has food allergies, make sure to carry the proper medications, as prescribed by his/her physician.

An orthopaedic surgeon is a physician with extensive training in the diagnosis and non-surgical as well as surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.

With more than 29,000 members, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (www.aaos.org) is the premier not-for-profit organization that provides education programs fororthopaedic surgeons and allied health professionals, champions the interests of patients and advances the highest quality musculoskeletal health. Orthopaedic surgeons and the Academy are the authoritative sources of information for patients and the general public on musculoskeletal conditions, treatments and related issues. An advocate for improved patient care, the Academy is participating in the Bone and Joint Decade (www.usbjd.org) -- the global initiative in the years 2002-2011 -- to raise awareness of musculoskeletal health, stimulate research and improve people's quality of life.