Medical professionals in Himachal Pradesh are urging heightened vigilance, particularly from parents, to prevent avoidable burn injuries associated with firecrackers, diyas, candles, and other festive ignition sources. They emphasize that even minor carelessness can lead to severe, lifelong burn injuries.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that hospitals across Himachal Pradesh routinely treat patients with burn injuries during the Diwali period. These incidents, often stemming from brief moments of excitement or oversight, can escalate into medical emergencies with enduring physical and psychological repercussions.
In the preceding year, numerous firecracker-related injuries were reported throughout the state. Kangra district, for instance, saw approximately 62 individuals seek medical attention for such injuries. Jogindernagar in Mandi district reported ten injured individuals, with four requiring hospitalization for serious conditions. Cumulatively, the state recorded 47 fire incidents during the Diwali festivities.
Senior surgeon Dr. Sanjay Aggarwal, based in Solan, explained that burn injuries can vary significantly in severity. They can range from superficial damage to the skin’s outer layers to deep wounds that affect underlying tissues. The rapid explosion of a firecracker or sparks igniting clothing can inflict serious harm within moments, he noted.
Dr. Aggarwal further cautioned that even seemingly minor burns affecting extremities like fingers and toes, or joints, should not be dismissed. Inadequate healing can result in scar tissue and contractures, which can impede movement and potentially lead to permanent disfigurement of the affected body parts.
Despite improvements in preventative measures, children remain particularly susceptible due to their inherent curiosity and a lack of full awareness regarding the dangers of fireworks. The elderly and individuals with limited mobility also require additional attention and safeguarding during festive periods.
Experts highlight that prompt and correct first aid can substantially mitigate the severity of a burn. The initial response should involve placing the affected area under cool running tap water for approximately 20 minutes. Crucially, ice, toothpaste, ghee, oil, or other home remedies should not be applied to the burn. Any clothing, jewelry, or accessories near the burn area should be carefully removed if they are not adhered to the skin. The injury should then be covered loosely with a clean, non-fluffy dressing, and blisters should not be deliberately ruptured.
Medical facilities advise that even small burns warrant assessment, especially if they occur on the face, hands, feet, genital region, or joints, or if blisters or significant pain develop. Deep, extensive, or circumferential burns necessitate immediate emergency medical intervention.
Hospitals throughout Himachal Pradesh have already begun to observe an increase in burn-related cases as firecracker activity commences days before the main festival. The experts collectively advised that parents must ensure children only handle firecrackers under adult supervision. They should be ignited in open spaces, well away from buildings, vehicles, and combustible materials. The use of loose, synthetic clothing should be avoided, and having a bucket of water or sand readily available is recommended. They also stressed that used firecrackers should not be handled immediately and should never be re-lit.
The Chenab Times News Desk
