Acadian Ambulance shares safety tips with the public for Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is a time to laissez les bon temps rouler, but it's also important to stay safe and secure during festivities. At Acadian Ambulance, we understand the importance of keeping yourself and your group protected and would like to share these tips with the public.

Never drink and drive. Make sure someone in your group will be the designated driver.

Stay hydrated: Dehydration can impair your judgment and make you more vulnerable to accidents or crime. Pace yourself with water, non-alcoholic beverages and food.

Leave glass bottles at home.

Watch your step for curbs and uneven roads or sidewalks.

Make sure your child knows if a stranger tries to talk to them, to say “You’re not my parent,” and get away to find a uniformed police officer or medic.

Whether at a parade or festival, stick with your group. Festive areas can get crowded quickly, and it can be hard to find someone once you’re separated.

Make a plan with your group, including the route you'll take and what you'll do if you get separated. This will help you stay safe and reduce the risk of getting lost or disoriented.

Secure a note in the pocket of each child with their name and the contact telephone number of a responsible adult in case the child becomes separated from your group.

If you lose track of a friend or child, ask a nearby police officer or medic for assistance.

Dress for the weather. Layers are important when temperatures drop in the evenings. Rain jackets and boots may be necessary to stay comfortable.

Be aware of parade throws. Heavy flying beads can cause cuts or painful bruises, and beads on the ground can be a tripping hazard.

Don’t throw items back at floats.

Don’t cross over parade barricades to pick up a fallen throw. Ask a nearby police officer to pass it to you, or grab it after the floats have passed. Barricades are put up for your safety.

Respect road closures and barricades for the safety of all pedestrians.

Acadian Ambulance provides medical support and standby service at Mardi Gras parades, events and gatherings throughout its service area.

If you or someone near you experiences an injury or emergency, do not hesitate to call 911 or find a nearby uniformed medic or first responder.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and festive Mardi Gras holiday.

Acadian Ambulance is one of the largest ambulance services in the nation, providing transportation and medical service to areas in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi, and Tennessee. It is employee-owned and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services, and its sister division, Acadian Air Med, is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems.