New Year's Eve marks the annual celebration of bidding farewell to the past year and welcoming the 365 days ahead. But with every celebration, comes the need to practice responsibility and to plan ahead. So on Friday when you're getting out the party hats, confetti and champagne, don't forget to keep safety in mind.
The Mountainside Hospital Emergency Department has compiled these safety recommendations to help you ensure a safe and happy celebration:
· Child-proof your celebration-Small children that will be attending New Year's Eve functions sometimes get overlooked. Be sure to keep all stairways closed off to toddlers to help prevent unwanted falls and children from wandering into areas that are not child friendly, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
· Beware broken bottles-Glass bottles can pose a danger. Be sure to keep all empty bottles from cluttering the party zone by putting them in a designated receptacle
· Sparklers and confetti don't mix-Be aware of open flames around decorations made of paper and any aerosol streamers. This can include cigarettes and lighters, so designate one place for your guests to smoke, preferably outside and away from paper decorations.
· Choking hazards aren't just for kids-Decorations can pose a choking threat to just about anyone. Decorations such as deflated balloons and party snappers can be accidently swallowed.
· Skip the fireworks-Explosives are very unstable and unpredictable. Watching a fireworks display put on by the pros is the way to go this holiday.
· Bring a designated driver-According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety there are almost two and a half times as many deaths resulting from alcohol-related crashes on New Year's Day than any other winter day.
About Mountainside Hospital's Emergency Services
At Mountainside Hospital board-certified Emergency Medicine Physicians provide outstanding evaluation and treatment for patients with a full spectrum of emergency medical needs. The Mountainside Hospital Emergency Department is committed to providing the finest quality patient care 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
Single-bed treatment rooms for patient comfort
On admission to the Emergency Department, patients are be greeted by a Triage Nurse, who will assess their medical condition, assuring immediate care for serious problems. If admission is needed, our patients are treated in single-bed treatment rooms for their privacy.
Immediate Care
At Mountainside, there is no need to wait in line if the emergency is relatively minor. The Hospital's Fast Track Unit is fully staffed to assure prompt and efficient care for minor medical problems. Fast Track also offers convenient bedside registration.
