Handling Diwali Fireworks Safely: Expert Advice from PGI Surgeon

Medical facilities across Chandigarh are making final preparations to manage a surge in burn injuries during the Diwali celebrations. Prof. Atul Parashar, director of surgery at PGIMER, assured the public that the hospital’s infrastructure is optimized for emergency response. Continuous medical coverage, guaranteed bed availability, and fully stocked treatment rooms are in place to handle any adverse incidents.

Emphasizing proactive safety, Prof. Parashar recommends wearing well-fitted cotton apparel during festivities. Traditional loose outfits, especially those paired with long drapes, are highly susceptible to ignition and should be left at home. Simple clothing choices can drastically reduce the likelihood of fire-related accidents.

The surgeon also addressed the reckless trend of lighting fireworks while holding them. He warned that this practice is particularly dangerous for teenagers and can lead to irreversible hand damage. Even after extensive surgical rehabilitation, patients may never regain full mobility, which could profoundly affect their studies and long-term livelihood.

Emergency response training highlights the stop, drop, and roll method as the safest reaction to clothing fires. Frantic running should be avoided at all costs, as it intensifies combustion. Rolling on the floor or using a heavy blanket to smother the flames are critical steps that can save lives and minimize extensive burns.

Immediate cooling of burn wounds with running water is highly recommended to halt tissue damage. This straightforward intervention not only alleviates pain but also improves surgical outcomes and reduces scarring. Furthermore, dud crackers pose a hidden threat; they must never be inspected or touched, as unpredictable explosions can cause devastating facial or ocular trauma.

Eye injuries require specialized medical care. Rubbing the eyes can exacerbate the damage, making an urgent visit to a ophthalmologist or hospital emergency room imperative. The medical team reaffirms that while they are fully equipped to treat burns, the ultimate aim is for citizens to enjoy the festival safely by adhering to these vital safety guidelines.