Friday, 02 November 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Deepawali celebrations led to a significant increase in burn injuries, with hospitals reporting over 100 cases in Dehradun. Despite the confusion surrounding the festival’s date this year, the traditional use of fireworks and diyas/candles resulted in numerous burn-related incidents.
Informing about this, the medical superintendent at the Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) hospital Dr Anurag Aggarwal said that a total of 77 cases of burn injuries were recorded at the emergency ward on Thursday night. He revealed that 76 of these cases involved mild burn injuries caused by fireworks, while one individual was admitted to the hospital’s burn unit following a blast at a private residence during a celebration. In light of the Deepawali festivities, the hospital administration ensured that doctors remained vigilant in the emergency ward. Further, the deputy medical superintendent Dr Dhananjay Dobhal has also conducted rounds to monitor the cases. Aggarwal noted that the bursting of fireworks often continues for a week after Deepawali, prompting the hospital to enhance facilities in the burn unit. He urged local residents to take necessary precautions and maintain a safe distance when handling fireworks.
Commenting on the facilities in the burn unit at the hospital, Aggarwal stated that the hospital administration has ensured proper arrangements by including 11 beds in the burn unit, with specified distances between them to prevent the spread of infection among patients. Additionally, separate bathtubs have been provided for patients suffering from burn injuries, he said.
Further, the medical superintendent at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay district hospital Dr VS Chauhan said that a total of 20 burn injuries cases were reported on the night of Deepawali, with an additional 10 cases reported on the following morning at the emergency ward. Fortunately, all the burn cases were minor and promptly treated. Chauhan also advised individuals to take necessary precautions and maintain a safe distance while handling fireworks to prevent potential injuries in the coming days.
Notably, many local residents have also been witnessed celebrating Diwali on Friday. It is expected that burn injuries cases may increase at the hospital considering this.
