Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 9 Nov: Health services at Government Doon Medical College and Hospital remained on high alert during Diwali in view of the risk of firecracker-related injuries and road accidents. Over the past 24 hours, around 630 patients were registered at the hospital’s Emergency Department, of which 90 cases were directly linked to Diwali-related incidents.
Doon Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr RS Bisht shared that 40 people sustained burn injuries due to firecrackers during the festival. However, none of the cases was serious and all the patients were discharged after receiving primary treatment.
According to Dr Bisht, the majority of burn cases were caused while lighting flower pots (anar). Sparks and sudden bursts from the firecrackers resulted in injuries, particularly to the hands. Of the 40 patients, 38 suffered burns to their hands, while two sustained facial injuries after coming in contact with the sparks or flames. The extent of burn injuries in all cases ranged between 10 and 15 per cent, and none of the patients required hospital admission.
People across different age groups, from children to senior citizens, were among those injured during Diwali celebrations. Dr Bisht said around five children below the age of five and a similar number of children under the age of 12 were also brought to the hospital with burn injuries. Teenagers, young adults and older people were also among those affected, indicating that the risk associated with firecrackers was not confined to children alone. Of the 40 burn victims, 28 were men and 12 were women.
The Medical Superintendent said that all the injured patients received immediate medical attention from doctors in the Emergency and Plastic Surgery departments. After assessment, dressing of wounds and administration of necessary medicines, all patients were found to be stable and were discharged.
Apart from burn injuries, the hospital also handled 11 cases of road accidents during the 24-hour period. Increased traffic movement during the festive season contributed to accident-related admissions, although none of the injured was reported to be in critical condition. All received timely treatment.
Dr Bisht said that while the emergency department registered approximately 630 patients in the past 24 hours for various ailments and health issues of which 90 cases were directly related to Diwali incidents. Hospital authorities said doctors, nursing staff and paramedical personnel remained fully prepared throughout the festival, ensuring prompt treatment for all patients. Despite the high patient load, no major mishap or serious casualty was reported during the Diwali period.
