New Delhi: In view of accidents and burn injuries caused by firecrackers during Diwali, the Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has put its emergency services on high alert. The hospital administration has made special arrangements in the Burns and Plastic Surgery department, the Trauma Centre, the main hospital emergency and the RP Centre. A special roster of doctors’ duty has been prepared to deal with any emergency during the festival.
Professor Dr Manish Singhal, head of the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Burns Surgery at AIIMS, appealed to people to take extra precautions while bursting firecrackers. He said even a little negligence could cause serious injuries to the hands, face and eyes. Children should never be allowed to burst firecrackers alone and fireworks should always be used under adult supervision.
According to the hospital’s medical superintendent, Dr Nirupam Madan, the availability of doctors has been ensured in all relevant emergency departments. On-call specialists have also been instructed to reach the hospital immediately if required. Medical equipment and emergency crash carts have also been checked.
Doctors have advised that firecrackers should always be lit in open spaces, should not be held in the hand while being lit, and a bucket filled with water should be kept nearby. People should wear cotton clothes instead of synthetic garments. They should stay away from dangerous devices such as potash firecracker guns. Diyas and candles should be kept away from curtains, sofas and other inflammable objects.
In case of burns, the affected area should be cooled under clean running water for 15 to 20 minutes. Ghee, oil, toothpaste or other household substances should not be applied. The burnt area should be covered with a clean cloth and, in case of serious injury, the patient should be taken to hospital immediately. If a firecracker injures the eye, medical help should be sought immediately instead of rubbing it.
AIIMS has appealed to people to take care of their own safety and that of others while celebrating the festival.
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