Mangaluru: Health authorities in Dakshina Kannada are gearing up to respond to firecracker-related injuries during Deepavali celebrations in the district.Medical staff at primary health centres (PHCs), community health centres (CHCs) and taluk hospitals across the district are prepared to provide immediate first aid in case of any untoward incident during the festival.DHO Dr Thimmaiah HR, said the district health machinery is fully geared up to respond promptly to any reported firecracker injury cases. The ophthalmology department at Govt Wenlock District Hospital is fully equipped to provide prompt and appropriate treatment for serious eye injuries.The DHO has appealed to parents and the general public to take strict precautions to ensure that the festival of lights, Deepavali, does not turn into darkness for children due to carelessness with firecrackers. He said all measures have been taken by the department to handle emergencies that may occur during the festival.“Every year during Deepavali, tragic incidents recur where innocent children lose their eyesight or sustain severe facial injuries due to bursting firecrackers. Bursting firecrackers cause not only environmental pollution, litter, and smoke, but also poses a serious risk to life.Therefore, it is best to completely refrain from bursting dangerous explosives. If unavoidable, light only non-exploding sparklers carefully under adult supervision. Let us celebrate by lighting lamps in our homes and hearts instead of firecrackers,” said Dr Thimmaiah.The department also has issued directions to private hospitals to take measures to handle emergencies. A circular has been issued to all private nursing homes and hospitals in the district instructing them to provide immediate emergency care without delay to any firecracker injury victim.Private hospitals also should take special care to prevent permanent vision impairment or disability in case of any firecracker injury, he added.
