Firecrackers injure 20 onlookers among 27 patients at PGIMER

Chandigarh: The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) here recorded 27 cases of firecracker-related eye injuries on Diwali, with 20 of the patients being bystanders.

In a statement issued on Monday, PGIMER said 27 patients, including nine children, were brought to its Advanced Eye Centre. Only seven of them were actively involved in bursting firecrackers.

This highlights that firecracker-related injuries are not limited to those actively handling them but also pose a significant risk to onlookers, the hospital said.

It said the Advanced Eye Centre had made elaborate arrangements to ensure prompt and appropriate medical care for patients with firecracker-related eye injuries.

A dedicated team of doctors, nursing staff and other healthcare personnel was deployed on round-the-clock emergency duty from 8 am on November 8 to 8 am on November 11 to manage emergencies during the festive period.

During Diwali on Sunday, 23 of the 27 patients who reported to the Advanced Eye Centre were males. Nine patients were children, with the youngest being two six-year-olds.

“A particularly concerning finding was that 20 out of the 27 patients (74 per cent) were bystanders, who sustained injuries while watching or being near firecrackers being burst by others,” PGIMER said.

It said six patients were from Chandigarh, seven from Punjab, nine from Haryana and the remaining patients from other neighbouring states.

The injuries were serious in a substantial proportion of patients. Of the 27 patients, 15 required surgical intervention and all underwent surgery. The remaining 12 patients sustained closed-globe injuries and were managed accordingly.

The high proportion of bystander injuries is a matter of serious concern, PGIMER said.

People should maintain a safe distance from firecrackers, avoid allowing children near areas where firecrackers are being burst, and use appropriate eye protection, the statement said.

In case of any eye injury, immediate medical attention should be sought, it added.