From trick-or-treating or carving pumpkins, even handling fireworks, Halloween can bring increased risk of injury, especially in children. But which states in the US are the worst to be injured in?
A new study by the Whitley Law Firm, with data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, determined the best and worst states to be injured in.
The study says patients in Maryland spent a median time of 251 minutes in the emergency services, which is the highest in the nation. Massachusetts and Rhode Island followed slightly behind with an average of 220 minutes. North Dakota spent the shortest time in the emergency department at 110 minutes.
Oklahoma and Kansas had the 4th and 5th shortest wait times in the emergency room; an average wait the Sooner state was 117 minutes, while Kansans averaged a time of 122 minutes.
To stay safe this Halloween, make sure costumes are visible with reflective tape or glow sticks, and wear flame-resistant materials. During trick-or-treating, stay in groups, stick to well-lit streets, walk on sidewalks, and only accept factory-sealed treats from the door after an adult inspects them. For drivers, remember to drive slowly and be alert for pedestrians.
