Festive Season Safety: Common Holiday Emergencies & How to Keep Your Family Safe
The festive season is a time for family, braais, swimming, and long-awaited holidays. But between travelling, celebrations, and busy homes full of guests, accidents can happen in seconds – especially with children around.
At Midvaal Private Hospital, we see a rise in certain types of emergencies over December and January. The good news? Many of them can be prevented with a few simple safety habits, and knowing when to go to the ER can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll look at the most common festive injuries and practical safety tips for parents to help keep your family safe this holiday season.
Common Festive Season Emergencies We See
1. Falls and Play Injuries
With kids running around between the pool, trampoline, and garden, falls are one of the most common reasons for emergency visits.
Typical injuries include:
Sprains and strains
Fractures
Head bumps and concussions
When to go to the ER:
Your child can’t put weight on a leg or arm
There is severe pain, obvious deformity, or swelling
They lose consciousness, vomit after a head injury, or seem confused or very drowsy
2. Burns from Braais, Stoves and Fireworks
Festive season = braais, gas stoves, candles, and sometimes fireworks. Small hands are naturally curious, and flames, hot coals, or boiling liquids can cause serious burns.
Burn risks include:
Touching hot braai grids or coals
Boiling oil or water spills in the kitchen
Firework-related burns
Safety tips:
Keep children away from the braai and hot surfaces with a clear “no-go zone”
Turn pot handles inward on the stove
Never let children handle fireworks
Go to the ER immediately if:
The burn is larger than the size of the child’s palm
The burn is on the face, hands, feet, or genitals
The skin is white, charred, or blistered
3. Drowning and Pool Emergencies
Drowning can happen silently and in seconds – even in shallow water. Pools, dams and holiday resorts are high-risk areas for young children.
Prevention tips:
Always have a designated adult “water watcher” – no phones, no distractions
Use proper pool fencing with a self-closing gate
Never rely on inflatable wings or pool toys as life-saving devices
Teach children basic water safety from a young age
Seek emergency care if:
A child has been under water, even briefly, and seems short of breath, coughing, or unusually tired
There is any loss of consciousness or breathing difficulty after a near-drowning incident
4. Choking and Swallowing Small Objects
With snacks, toys, and party decorations everywhere, choking is a serious risk for babies and toddlers.
Common choking hazards:
Nuts, hard sweets, popcorn
Small toy parts, balloons, coins, bottle caps
Prevention tips:
Avoid giving small, hard foods to children under 5
Cut grapes, viennas, and similar foods into small pieces
Keep small objects out of reach and off low tables
Get urgent help if:
Your child is struggling to breathe, cannot cry or cough, or their lips turn blue
You manage to remove the object, but they are still coughing or breathing strangely
5. Food Poisoning and Dehydration
Hot weather, buffet-style meals, and long travel days increase the risk of food poisoning and dehydration, especially in children and older adults.
Warning signs:
Ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea
Very dry mouth, no tears when crying
Fewer wet nappies or dark urine
Drowsiness, irritability, or confusion
When to come to the ER:
Vomiting or diarrhoea lasting more than 24 hours in young children
Signs of dehydration that are not improving
Blood in vomit or stool, or severe stomach pain
Keeping Kids Safe These Holidays: Practical Tips for Parents
1. Create “Safe Zones” at Home
Designate areas where children can play safely, away from the braai, pool, driveway and kitchen.
Use child gates, playpens or clear boundaries and rules.
2. Supervision First, Screens Second
No device can replace active supervision.
Take turns with family members to watch over young children – especially near water, driveways, and stairs.
3. Make a House Rule for Cars and Driveways
Always check around the vehicle before moving.
Never let children play behind or around parked cars.
Ensure everyone is buckled up before you leave – even for “short trips”.
4. Build a Simple Festive First-Aid Kit
Keep a basic kit handy, with:
Plasters and bandages
Antiseptic solution
Burn gel or burn dressings
Oral rehydration solution (ORS)
Age-appropriate pain and fever medication (as recommended by your healthcare provider)
This doesn’t replace medical care, but it helps you manage minor issues while you seek help if needed.
When Should You Go to the ER – and When Can You Call Your Doctor?
Go to the ER immediately if:
Breathing is difficult or noisy
There is heavy bleeding that won’t stop
There is a suspected fracture, serious burn, or head injury
A child has been submerged in water
There is a sudden change in behaviour, confusion, or loss of consciousness
For milder symptoms (like minor cuts, mild fevers, or questions about medication), you may be able to consult your GP, clinic, or after-hours doctor – but if you are in doubt, it is always safer to get urgent medical advice.
Midvaal Private Hospital: Here for You This Festive Season
Emergencies don’t take a holiday – and neither do we.
If you or your child is injured or suddenly becomes very ill over the festive season, the team at Midvaal Private Hospital is ready to help with professional, compassionate care.
Your safety and your family’s health come first.
Save our details, share this article with friends and family, and let’s make this festive season a safe one.
