5 Safety Tips for New Year's Eve
Stay Safe When It's Time to Celebrate
"The holidays are always a busy time of year in the Emergency Department," said Northwestern Medicine Emergency Medicine Physician Steve R. Edelstein, MD, FACEP. "External conditions are precarious, and people tend to do things that they normally would not do. "
No matter what plans do you have in store, keep these tips in mind to help stay safe on New Year's Eve.
1. Plan accordingly.
If you go to a party or go to a public event, the make plans to arrive and leave the group. A lot can happen on the eve of the new year, and you want to make your friends and family safe. Be sure to share your plans for the evening and communicate your whereabouts if plans change.
To this end, pack charger for your phone - a portable one may be very helpful if you can not find a way out. Be aware of your surroundings; if you get separated from your group, you'll want to know where you are, where you are going and where you spend the night.
You do not want to end up in the ED on New Year's Eve.
- Steve R. Edelstein, MD
Dinner filling is another way to prepare for the New Year night long. Healthy dinner can not only help to absorb some of the alcohol you might enjoy but will also help you avoid nibbling on a snack bar.
2. Mind your limit.
Alcohol is almost unavoidable on New Year's Eve. Even if you and your friends do not take part, you will probably find drunken revelers during your night.
If you drink alcohol, keep in mind your limitations. "Try not to drink too much, too fast," says Dr. Edelstein. "The last place you want to be on New Year's Eve is in the emergency department." To help speed their own, alternative alcohol intake with water or other non-alcoholic options. Also, never leave your drink unattended. And finally, remember: It only takes 10 minutes for alcohol to reach your brain.
3. Celebrate safely.
Champagne is a staple of the New Year. But according to a study, a champagne cork can reach speeds up to 50 miles per hour. (It was enough to shatter glass.) So do not forget that the cork should emerge from a guest or anything of value. And using the 45-degree rule of thumb: It's the ideal temperature to prevent spontaneous combustion and the ideal angle to the bottle uncorked.
4. Watch your step.
"Stay inside as much as possible," advises Dr. Edelstein. The winter weather Midwestern could create an unsafe condition. Watch out for sidewalk ice. You do not want to break an ankle or wrist. The types of injuries can occur in all age groups, and even a simple slip on the ice could require surgery.
5. Avoid driving if possible.
Whether you're a passenger or driver, the road is very dangerous on the eve of the new year. Help everyone stay safe by refusing to drink and drive, and do not let those around you are driving under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
If you'll be at a friend's house for New Year's Eve, asking to spend the night or book a room adjacent to your celebration to avoid potential drunk drivers and existing hazards of driving in winter conditions at night.
The bottom line
"While it's important to have fun, keep your head level and are not injured or taken advantage of should be the primary consideration," said Dr. Edelstein.
No matter how you decide to ring in the New Year, remember to keep safety top of mind.
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