10 tips for a safe St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick’s Day is a time for fun, family and festivities! Remember to be safe and consider the following safety tips so you can let the good times roll as you attend a St. Patrick’s Day parade.

• Arrive early. This allows you and your family to find a safe spot to enjoy the parade before the crowd gets too busy. If possible, station yourself in a spot that makes it easy to leave the parade without getting caught in heavy foot traffic.
• Avoid a sprain, strain or other injury. Whether you are running along a moving float or chasing after your little one, make sure not to run in the street between the floats or cars. This could lead to a serious sprain, strain or injury.
• Avoid a slip and fall. You may want to capture photos and videos of your loved ones on the parade route, but your cell phone can be a distraction. Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the parade route.
• Avoid putting your child on your shoulders. A child can easily get knocked over and adults can lose their balance or trip/slip.
• Stay behind barricades. Barricades help keep visitors and participants safe. Pay attention to your children and make sure they stay on the correct side to avoid crossing paths with the procession.
• Know the parade route and select a meeting spot. Choose a designated meeting place if you get separated from your group. Familiarize yourself with lost child centers, bathrooms, etc.
• Take your child's picture with your cell phone before you head out for the day. If the worst happens, you can show police exactly what the child looks like and what they are wearing.
• Use the buddy system. If you are attending the parade with a large group that includes younger children, this will help keep everyone in check and help avoid injuries.

Pack an emergency kit with the following:

• Water
• Snacks
• Toilet paper
• Hand sanitizer
• Sunscreen
• First-aid kit
• Poncho or umbrella

If you choose to drink:

• Eat food (especially protein) and drink water throughout the day.
• Know the source of your drinks. Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
• Mixing alcohol and energy drinks increases the risk of dehydration and alcohol overdose because caffeine masks the effects of alcohol.
• Have a plan to get home. Appoint a designated driver or save the number of local cab companies in your phone. Do not ride in the car of an intoxicated driver.

Signs of alcohol overdose:

• Mental confusion
• Seizures
• Cold, clammy, bluish skin
• Vomiting uncontrollably
• Breathing slowly or irregularly
• Passed out and can’t be woken up
• Heart rate is slow or irregular

If you suspect alcohol overdose:

• Try to keep the person sitting up. If the person must lie down, place the person on his/her side to prevent choking or aspiration on vomit.
• Do not leave the person alone.

HCA Midwest Health offers 11 hospital and freestanding ERs throughout the Kansas City region. We offer 24/7 emergency care to adults and kids with short wait times.

Find an ER near you.