Health2 min
Ludhiana Diwali safety: Doctors urge care with crackers, diyas and sparklers
Health experts and emergency teams in Ludhiana are asking residents to take simple precautions so that Sunday's Diwali celebrations don't end in hospital visits.
Ludhiana is gearing up for Diwali on Sunday, and health experts and emergency care providers want residents to enjoy the lights without ending up in a hospital bed. Hospitals in the city have issued a clear message: handle firecrackers, diyas, candles and electrical decorations with care, and get medical help quickly for burns, eye injuries or trouble breathing.
Doctors say the pattern repeats every year. Emergency departments see a spike in cases linked to firecracker injuries, burns and respiratory problems, and children and senior citizens are among the most vulnerable. The good news is that most of these accidents are preventable with a few habits that take almost no effort.
Start with location. Crackers should be burst only in open spaces, never in narrow lanes or under balconies. Keep a bucket of water or a supply of sand within arm's reach so that any spark or fire can be doused right away. Skip loose synthetic clothing, which can catch fire quickly. Sparklers deserve special attention too: paediatrician Dr Sakshi Sharma warned that they can cause serious burns even though they look harmless, and that children should never handle any firecracker without an adult nearby.
An emergency medicine specialist put it simply: Diwali is about happiness and family, and celebrations shouldn't cost anyone their safety. Responsible behaviour and adult supervision can prevent most firecracker-related injuries. If someone in your group is hurt, the advice is to act fast rather than wait to see if it gets better.
Civil Hospital officials say emergency services will be running through the festival, and staff will be on alert. Dr Akhil Sareen, SMO of the Civil Hospital, urged residents to contact the nearest hospital or emergency care centre without delay for burns, eye injuries, breathing difficulties or any other medical emergency. Early treatment, he noted, can head off serious complications.
For the full local coverage and the official advisory details, read the original report at The Tribune's Ludhiana report on Diwali firecracker safety.
