Varanasi: Ahead of Diwali, the Varanasi district health department issued a public health advisory under the direction of chief medical officer Dr N P Singh, urging residents to celebrate the festival safely and responsibly.Dr Dwivedi said firecracker sparks and explosions can cause serious burns to hands, legs and face, while eye injuries may lead to permanent vision loss. He advised that children not be allowed to burst firecrackers without adult supervision. People should maintain a safe distance from fireworks and avoid touching unexploded or extinguished firecrackers or attempting to relight them, he said.In case of burns caused by firecrackers or diyas, the affected area should be placed under cool running water for 10 to 20 minutes. People should not apply toothpaste, ghee, oil, turmeric or ice to the burn. The wound should be covered with a clean cloth. Burns involving the face, hands, feet, eyes or a large part of the body require immediate medical attention.If firecracker sparks injure the eye, it should not be rubbed or pressed. No attempt should be made to remove any object stuck in the eye. Immediate consultation with an eye specialist is necessary.Dr Dwivedi said fine particles and harmful gases released from fireworks can seriously affect the lungs and heart. Patients with asthma, COPD, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, as well as elderly people, pregnant women and young children, should take extra precautions. They should stay indoors during periods of heavy smoke, avoid exposure to pollution and keep prescribed medicines and inhalers readily available.Symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, cold sweating, dizziness or unconsciousness should not be ignored. In emergencies, people should call 108 or 112 immediately.Sweets should be kept covered, and milk-based sweets should be refrigerated immediately. The refrigerator temperature should be maintained below 5°C.In case of nausea, diarrhoea or stomach pain, ORS should be taken to prevent dehydration and medical advice should be sought if symptoms worsen.Dr Dwivedi said hospitals may see a rise in cases of burns, traumatic injuries, eye injuries and respiratory problems during Diwali. He stressed uninterrupted emergency services, adequate medical resources and proper fire safety arrangements. Firecrackers and open flames are to be strictly prohibited on hospital premises.The health department appealed to residents to celebrate Diwali with joy, responsibility and necessary precautions. People have been urged to avoid firecracker smoke, take special care of children and elderly family members and seek immediate medical help in case of any emergency.
