Hospitals gear up to function round the clock on festival days

Last Deepavali, a 30-year-old person from Anantapur suffered a globe rupture in the left eye while he was bursting a Laxmi bomb along with his children. Though he was rushed to a private eye hospital in Bengaluru, doctors could not restore his vision.

Victims mostly bystanders

Along with the festive cheer that accompanies Deepavali every year, incidents of firecracker-related injuries take the sparkle out of the festival of lights.

About 40% of the victims are bystanders. Injuries range from mild irritation and corneal abrasions to more severe complications like corneal damage and open globe injuries that can lead to potential blindness. Chemical injuries are caused by the chemicals in the gunpowder mixed in the fireworks. Smoke can cause eye irritation, and fumes can lead to throat infections. Sparklers are particularly dangerous, burning at temperatures hot enough to melt gold and causing severe burns and injuries.

Beds set aside

Despite efforts to promote a firecracker-free Deepavali for several years, the situation remains the same. Hospitals, which are advising precautions, have made special arrangements to provide round-the-clock emergency care for those suffering from eye injuries.

At the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology - Minto Ophthalmic Hospital, a team of doctors including specialists have been made available round the clock to treat those with cracker injuries. 

A dedicated 25-bed firecracker injury ward (10 each for male and female patients and five for children) has been readied. Medical staff and doctors will be on duty round the clock during the festival and the hospital has stocked up on essential medicines.

S. Shashidhar, Director (in-charge) of Minto Hospital, advised, “Children below five should not be allowed to burst crackers without supervision, and only green crackers should be used to minimise environmental impact.” He also advised wearing cotton clothes while bursting crackers, keeping water nearby as a precaution, and seeking medical help immediately in case of an injury.

Doctors at Narayana Nethralaya said all facilities of the hospital will be open round the clock during the festival days (October 19 to October 22). At Sankara Eye Hospital, a dedicated team of doctors with paramedics and support staff has been kept ready. One doctor with paramedics will be posted at night to take care of eye emergencies, with consultants on call. Advising precautions, doctors at Agarwal’s Eye Hospital said people should celebrate the festival of lights with caution. 

Burns ward

Yogishwarappa C.N., Professor and Head of Burns in Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), said the Mahabodhi Burns Care Centre, one of the largest facilities for exclusive burns care, is ready to handle any emergency with a dedicated team of doctors and staff for burns management.

“A dedicated burns unit and a separate disaster block for cracker burns cases has been put in place. Besides, ICU facilities with ventilator availability will also be made available for critical patients with cracker burns,” he said.