The festival of Lights-Diwali is here, and the atmosphere is so charged up with the festive mood. Diwali is one of the biggest festivals celebrated with great enthusiasm and happiness in India. The festival is celebrated for five consecutive days, where the third day is celebrated as the main Diwali festival. Different colorful varieties of fireworks are always associated with this festival and they are a tradition for many families. Unfortunately, injuries from fireworks are another tradition that often seems to follow when kids are allowed to play with fireworks.
Magnitude of the problem
Firecracker-related injuries have been identified as one of the more important causes of burns and these types of blast injuries result in hundreds to thousands of damages annually. Most of the victims are children aged 14 and below, who suffer from burns on the face, arms, and hands. Medical attention is most often needed; from simple cleaning of the wound to suturing and even to surgery. In some cases, amputation is warranted. Deaths have also been reported.
·         There are hundreds of deaths every year from firecracker injuries
·         Thousands of  people are treated in emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks  
·         Almost half of the injuries are to children under age 15
·         Firecrackers, rockets and sparklers cause the most injuries,
·         Burns are the most common injuries from fireworks.
In regards to fireworks injuries, the hands (40%), eyes (20%), and head and face (20%) are the body areas most often involved. Half of those who receive injuries are simply bystanders. Children, who are unsupervised, are 11 times more likely to receive fireworks injuries.
Keeping this in mind, the hand surgeons at the Hand Surgery Clinics are committed to providing the information you need to create a safer environment when using fireworks this Diwali, because doctors have the main role of educating parents about the risks, causes, prevention and first aid of burn injuries. Parents are responsible for strictly prohibiting children from picking up failed firecrackers and handling lit firecrackers, sparklers and rockets. 
Here are a few tips for prevention of firecracker injuries:
  • Never use illegal/ counterfeit/unbranded fireworks.
  • Keep sparklers away from children. A lit sparkler may reach a temperature of 2,000 degrees. When using sparklers put them in the ground. Don’t hold or run around with them.
  • Keep everybody—especially children and pets—out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • When setting off fireworks, keep a bucket of water and a running hose nearby.
  • Only ignite one firework at a time.
  • Never attempt to relight a “dud”. If a firework fails to ignite, wait 15 minutes then place it in a bucket of water.
  • Soak spent fireworks in a bucket of water before disposing of them in an outdoor trash can.
  • Do light firecrackers outdoors only, as they are potential fire hazards.
  • Do not hold a firecracker while lighting it.

  • Do not pick up failed firecrackers, they can still explode.

  • When lighting fireworks like a fountain, do not bend directly over it.
  • Do not throw firecrackers at passing people or vehicles.
      But accidents do happen and sometimes, an injury still occurs despite all your care. Here are some things you can do if it happens:
For minor burns caused by firecrackers, let cool water run over the affected area. Do not apply ointments or creams, since these may hold in heat and cause further damage. Cover the injured area with a clean, dry cloth or bandage. Seek medical attention immediately when an area larger than the size of the palm is affected, when the burn extends beyond the skin, or when the eyes are involved.
·         If a body part like a finger or a hand is directly hit by an exploding firecracker, cover the affected part with a clean cloth, try to stop the bleeding by putting pressure on it, and immediately bring the patient to the Hospital Emergency Room.
·         Ingestion of firecrackers and/or its powder warrants immediate medical attention.
     The festival season can only be merry when it is accident free. Each of us can do something to avoid experiencing tragic moments especially during the most wonderful time of the year. Let us not give in to the temptation and potential hazards of the bright lights and frightening sounds of these firecrackers. Let us all enjoy a truly merry and blessed Diwali and a wonderful, promising New Year. 

                                                  Come; let us Join Hands to put Safety First.

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