The festive cheer of Diwali has been dampened by a worrying trend at Chandigarh's premier medical institution. The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) has reported a significant surge in firecracker-related injuries during this year's celebration period, leaving medical professionals concerned about public safety awareness.
According to hospital authorities, the Advanced Trauma Centre at PGI has been receiving a steady stream of patients with serious injuries caused by improper handling of fireworks. The cases range from minor burns to severe trauma that could have long-term consequences.
Most Common Injuries Reported
Medical staff at the institute have categorized the injuries into several concerning patterns:
- Hand and finger injuries comprising the majority of cases, including deep burns and blast injuries
- Eye injuries from flying debris and chemical exposure
- Facial burns affecting both children and adults
- Hearing damage from close proximity to loud explosions
Doctors Express Concern Over Safety Negligence
"What's particularly distressing is that many of these injuries were completely preventable," noted a senior medical officer at PGI. "We're seeing patients who ignored basic safety precautions while handling firecrackers, resulting in life-altering injuries."
The medical team emphasized that the most severe cases involved individuals who attempted to relight fireworks that had initially failed to ignite or those who handled explosives without proper adult supervision.
Children Among the Affected
Alarmingly, a considerable number of patients belong to younger age groups. Doctors report treating several children who sustained injuries while playing with firecrackers without adequate parental guidance or proper safety measures in place.
The pattern observed this year shows a notable increase compared to previous festive seasons, suggesting either increased firecracker usage or decreased safety awareness among celebrants.
Medical Advice for Future Festivals
PGI medical professionals recommend the following precautions for safe celebration:
- Always maintain a safe distance while lighting fireworks
- Use protective eyewear when handling firecrackers
- Keep buckets of water or sand readily available
- Never allow children to handle fireworks unsupervised
- Wear cotton clothing instead of synthetic fabrics
- Immediately seek medical attention for any injuries
The institute has urged the public to prioritize safety over spectacle during festivals, emphasizing that momentary excitement shouldn't come at the cost of permanent disability or trauma.
