New Year’s Eve Safety & First Aid Tips: How to Stay Safe When the Celebrations Begin

New Year’s Eve is one of the most exciting nights of the year, crowds gather, families celebrate at home, fireworks light up the sky, and millions of people head out for parties, dinners, and events.
But it’s also one of the most dangerous nights for emergency incidents nationwide. Alcohol consumption rises, streets get busier, and cold weather adds extra risk. EMS crews see sharp increases in cardiac emergencies, falls, trauma, and alcohol-related calls.

Most emergencies occur right in front of bystanders—long before help arrives. Being prepared with a few key safety steps (and some basic lifesaving skills) can help prevent tragedy and keep the night enjoyable.

This BVAC New Year’s Eve Safety Guide will help you enter the new year safely and confidently.

Alcohol-Related Emergencies: How to Recognize and Respond

New Year’s Eve is the #1 holiday for alcohol poisoning and impaired injuries.

Signs of Alcohol Poisoning

• Vomiting

• Slow or irregular breathing

• Cold, clammy, or pale skin

• Confusion

• Unresponsive but still breathing

• Cannot stay awake

What to Do

• Call 911 immediately

• Roll the person onto their side to prevent choking

• Keep them warm

• Do NOT let them “sleep it off”

• Do NOT give food, water, coffee, or additional alcohol

BVAC Tip: Alcohol poisoning can look like “just drunk.” If the person isn’t waking up or breathing properly, they’re in danger.

Driving & Transportation Safety

New Year’s Eve has one of the highest rates of DUI-related crashes.

Stay Safe by Planning Ahead

• Use rideshare services or a designated driver

• Avoid walking near roadways late at night

• Expect delays—leave earlier than usual

• Buckle up, even for short rides

If You Suspect a Drunk Driver

• Stay far behind the vehicle

• Do not attempt to pass or confront

• Pull over safely and call 911

Remember: The safest choice on New Year’s Eve is not to drive at all.

Fireworks, Sparklers & Burn Injuries

Even small “legal” fireworks cause thousands of ER visits every New Year’s weekend.

Firework Safety Tips

• Never light fireworks indoors

• Keep a bucket of water or extinguisher nearby

• Never hold fireworks in your hand

• Do not relight “duds”

• Keep children far away (sparklers burn at 2,000°F)

First Aid for Burns

• Cool with cool running water for 10–15 minutes

• Cover with a clean, dry dressing

• Do NOT apply butter, oils, or ice

• Seek care for blistering or large burns

Cold Weather & Hypothermia Risks

Standing outdoors for fireworks, long lines at events, or waiting for rides in freezing temperatures can lead to hypothermia, especially in children and older adults.

Symptoms

• Shivering

• Confusion

• Fatigue

• Slurred speech

What to Do

• Move the person indoors

• Remove wet clothing

• Warm slowly with blankets

• Offer warm (not hot) drinks if they are awake

• Seek medical care for worsening symptoms

Choking Risks at Parties

Finger foods and alcohol create a perfect storm for choking incidents.

Common Triggers

• Large bites

• Eating while laughing/talking

• Intoxication

• Elderly guests with swallowing difficulties

If Someone Is Choking

• Encourage coughing if they can breathe or speak

• Perform 5 Back Blows Then 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if they cannot

• Begin CPR if the person becomes unresponsive

Training in AHA CPR & First Aid makes this response instinctive and safe.

Crowd Safety & Situational Awareness

If you’re attending a public event:

Stay Safe By:

• Identifying exits when you enter

• Staying together in groups

• Avoiding overcrowded areas

• Keeping your phone charged

• Staying clear of aggressive behavior

In an Emergency

• Stay calm and move away from danger

• Do not run blindly into crowds

• Help children or elderly move to safety

Allergic Reactions & Food Emergencies

New Year’s Eve often includes new foods, shellfish, mixed platters, and desserts—common triggers for allergic reactions.

Warning Signs

• Rash or hives

• Swelling of lips or face

• Trouble breathing

• Wheezing

What to Do

• Use an EpiPen immediately if available

• Call 911

• Prepare to start CPR if breathing stops

BVAC’s First Response Essentials course includes hands-on EpiPen and Naloxone training for real-world emergencies.

Violence & Trauma-Related Incidents

Unfortunately, New Year’s Eve brings an increase in:

• Fights

• Falls

• Assault injuries

• Glass-related cuts

Bleeding Control Tips

• Apply direct pressure

• Pack wounds when possible

• Apply a tourniquet for severe limb bleeding

• Call 911

Stop the Bleed training can prevent the most avoidable cause of traumatic death: uncontrolled bleeding.

Prepare for the New Year With Lifesaving Skills

Emergencies can happen anywhere—at a party, at home, or on the street. Most occur before EMS arrives, meaning bystanders make the biggest difference.

At BVAC Rescue Response Training Center, we offer:

✔ AHA BLS CPR

✔ First Response Essentials

✔ Stop the Bleed

✔ Naloxone/NARCAN Administration

✔ Tactical Medicine (TECC/PHTLS)

✔ EpiPen & Emergency Medication Response

✔ Pet First Aid & Disaster Response

Your training could save a life in the most unexpected moment.

Celebrate Safely and Start the Year Strong

New Year’s Eve should be a time of joy—not tragedy. A few simple precautions and a little preparedness ensure you and your loved ones start the new year healthy and safe.

Wishing you a safe, happy, and healthy New Year from BVAC Rescue Response Training Center.