Hyderabad hospitals are preparing for a possible rise in firecracker-related injuries during Diwali, with Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital reserving 20 beds and emergency teams being placed on standby. Ambulances have also been positioned in districts to transport serious cases to the city, according to a report by Deccan Chronicle.
Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital superintendent Dr P. Modini said the hospital had treated 116 and 115 patients with cracker injuries during the previous two Diwali seasons. Of these patients, 33 suffered grievous injuries and 83 sustained simple injuries, while 10 required admission. Children and adults accounted for almost equal shares of the injured, and most cases were linked to mirchi bombs.
The preparedness measures include teams of doctors, nurses, support staff and ambulance drivers being kept ready at the eye hospital. EMRI Green Health Services and the hospital have positioned ambulances in districts so that emergency cases can be referred to Hyderabad without delay.
Doctors have warned that firecracker injuries can involve burns, eye damage and breathing complications. Dr Madhuri Patil, a consultant ophthalmologist at a private hospital in LB Nagar, said flying sparks and explosive particles could cause injuries ranging from minor irritation to serious corneal damage and permanent vision loss.
For chemical exposure to the eye, she advised people to rinse it gently with clean running water and seek immediate medical attention. People should not rub an injured eye or apply home remedies. Suspected penetrating injuries require urgent treatment, and pressure should not be applied to the affected eye.
Doctors have also cautioned that firecracker smoke can aggravate asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, particularly among children, senior citizens and people with existing respiratory conditions. Dr E. Ravindra Reddy, senior consultant pulmonologist, advised those with asthma or COPD to avoid heavily smoke-filled areas, reduce outdoor exposure during peak cracker-burning hours and keep prescribed inhalers available.
Dr Sudhir Prasad, senior pulmonologist at Malakpet, said fine particulate matter released by crackers could travel deep into the lungs and worsen existing respiratory problems. Persistent breathlessness, wheezing, coughing or chest tightness should prompt medical attention, doctors said.
Medical teams have advised residents to burst crackers only under adult supervision, use open spaces and wear cotton clothing rather than loose or flowing garments. People should never hold lit crackers in their hands or attempt to relight crackers that fail to explode. Families have also been urged to keep water and basic first-aid supplies ready.
For burns, Dr P. Shiva Kumar, senior consultant and head of emergency medicine at a private hospital, advised cooling the affected area under running water for 20 minutes. Ice, toothpaste, oil and turmeric should not be applied, and blisters should not be broken. The injured area should be covered loosely with a clean dressing before medical care is sought.
Hospitals and emergency services will remain on standby during the festival period to receive and transport patients requiring treatment for serious burns, eye injuries or breathing difficulties.
