EMS: Courage and Compassion: The Clothes Do Make the Man (or Woman)

By Shawn Godfrey
09:19AM / Monday, October 22, 2007

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Shawn Godfrey

If another person suggests I go dressed as a paramedic this year for Halloween I'm going to scream.

What could possibly compel people to think I want to wear "the monkey suit" on my day off, let alone on a holiday?

Could it be the scratchy cotton-polyester blended shirt that if placed in close proximity to an open flame would melt like candle wax? Or is it the stiff unyielding cargo-pants that have an upper inseam that's either too tight or too saggy? (This can easily be determined by how high the pitch of a male paramedic's voice is). Oh wait, I know, it has to be the clunky leather boots and bulky black socks on a 90-degree mid-summer day. That's it!

By now I hope you realize I'm kidding. In truth, I believe the uniform should remind us of who we are and what is expected of us. It identifies us as members of a special group. We should take pride in being part of a faction that is willing to risk life and limb for the safety and survival of others on a daily basis. In many areas symbols of achievement, like a pin, a ribbon, or a medal are revealed on our uniform, and oftentimes distinguish particular ranks or divisions.

For the most part, emergency medical services (EMS) has been a uniformed organization since the beginning, however, the uniform by itself doesn't make a good emergency medical provider, or a good partner, or a good service, but its use has been proven to improve the morale of a group because it's visible symbol of pride and unity.

Having said that, I must confess I did attend a Halloween party one year intentionally wearing my EMS uniform. During the party a group of us decided to get into the spirit by watching "Halloween H2O." I believe it's the seventh installment of a long worn-out franchise.

Anyhow, remember the climactic, final battle between Michael Myers and Laurie Strode (Jamie Lee Curtis)? Turns out that the man in the mask that was chasing and trying to kill Laurie and refused to die until he was beheaded was actually a paramedic that Michael dressed up to throw Laurie off.

Needless to say, I no longer wear my uniform to Halloween parties (or whenever I suspect a knife-wielding lunatic is in the neighborhood), and I try to make it a point to work as little as possible on Halloween.

Although I can't guarantee Michael Myers won't pull a devious little trick on you this year, I can assure you the tips below will help you celebrate a safe and fun-filled Halloween.

Before Halloween:

  * Purchase or construct costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement or contact with flame.

  * Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.

  * Secure emergency identification (name, address, phone number) discreetly within Halloween attire or on a bracelet.

  * Because a mask can limit or block eyesight, consider non-toxic and hypoallergenic makeup or a decorative hat as a safe alternative.

  * When shopping for costumes, wigs, and accessories, purchase only those with a label indicating they are flame resistant.

  * Think twice before using simulated knives, guns or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.

  * Use flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and their escorts.

  * Plan ahead to use only battery-powered lanterns or chemical light-sticks in place of candles/real flames in decorations and costumes.

  * Teach children their home phone number and how to dial 9-1-1 (or their local emergency number) if they have an emergency or become lost. Remind them that 911 can be dialed free from any phone, including some deactivated cellular phones.

  * Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.

  * Consider purchasing individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home.

  * Take extra effort to eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, support wires or garden hoses that may prove hazardous to young children rushing from house to house.

  * Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack.

  * Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an adult or office party.

Before nightfall on Halloween:

  * A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.

  * Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.

  * While children can help with the fun of designing a jack O'lantern, for example, leave the carving to adults.

  * Always keep jack O'lanterns and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials or areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.

  * Plan and review with your children the route and behavior which is acceptable to you.

  * Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.

  * Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.

  * Along with flashlights for all, older children and escorts should wear a wristwatch and carry coins for non-emergency phone calls.

  * Confine, segregate or otherwise prepare household pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Don't feed them chocolate treats. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.

  * Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.

  * Adult partygoers should establish a designated driver.

When Trick-or-Treating:

  * A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.

  * Remind Trick-or-Treaters:

  o By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.

  o Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.

  o Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on or appear welcoming of revelers.

  o Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.

  o If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.

  o Never cut across yards or use alleys.

  o Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.

  o Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.

  o Always walk. Never run across a street.

  o Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks.

  o Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.

  o Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.

  o Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.

  o No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.

  o Law enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

After Trick-or-Treating:

  * Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should closely examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped or suspicious items.

  * Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.

  * Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

On behalf of iBerkshires and EMS: Courage and Compassion in Action, have a safe and happy Halloween!

Source: www.lafd.org, www.dimensionfilms.com

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