Delhi hospitals have put emergency systems on alert for burn injuries during Diwali, with additional staff, medicines, dressings and admission capacity being arranged after 325 patients sought treatment during the festival period last year.
Safdarjung Hospital, AIIMS, Lok Nayak Hospital, GTB Hospital and Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital are preparing to provide immediate treatment for people injured by firecrackers, diyas and other flammable items, according to a report by Jagran. The preparations include ensuring the availability of emergency medical personnel, burn-care supplies and beds for patients requiring admission.
The readiness measures come as the Supreme Court has allowed the use of certified green firecrackers during specified hours on November 7 and 8—from 6 am to 7 am and from 8 pm to 10 pm. The permission does not apply within 300 metres of hospitals. Hospitals are nevertheless preparing for injuries that may occur during the permitted period, as well as burns caused by lamps and other sources of fire.
Safdarjung Hospital, which houses the country’s largest burn unit, is expected to receive a significant number of patients. Separate treatment arrangements are being maintained for men, women and children, while emergency trolleys, dressing material and other essential supplies are being kept ready.
At AIIMS, the burn and plastic surgery department, intensive care unit and operating theatres have been placed on alert. The burn and plastic surgery departments at Lok Nayak and GTB hospitals have also been instructed to remain prepared. Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital has made similar arrangements for possible burn cases.
The figures from last year indicate the pressure that can be placed on Delhi’s emergency-care network during Diwali. Of the 325 people who reached major hospitals with burn injuries on Diwali and the preceding day, around 270 cases were linked to firecrackers. Safdarjung recorded the highest number, with 129 patients, including 18 who required admission. AIIMS treated 55 patients and admitted 10 severely injured people to its intensive care unit. GTB received 37 patients, while Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital and Lok Nayak Hospital reported 16 and 15 cases respectively.
Doctors have advised that a burned area should be placed under normal cool, running water for 15 to 20 minutes immediately after the injury. Ghee, oil, toothpaste and other household substances should not be applied to the wound. Patients with severe burns, injuries to the face or eyes, and children who have been burned should be taken to a hospital without delay.
The hospitals’ next operational priority is to keep emergency departments, burn units and surgical facilities ready during the permitted firecracker-use hours on November 7 and 8.
