Play Safe This Diwali: crackers can cause serious eye injuries; follow do’s and don’t strictly-Dr Boparai
Dr Sukhdip Singh Boparai/ October 31,2024
Strange but true according fifty percent of people injured by crackers are onlookers or those passing by and majority of injured are kids or young adults. Sparks from even ‘smaller’ and so-called ‘safe’ crackers can cause serious eye injuries following are some do’s and doesn’t which if observed can go a long way in making Diwali safe, uneventful and more enjoyable.
AVOID BURSTING CRACKERS TO AVOID POLLUTION
DO’s
Do buy only standard GREEN firecrackers.
Store them safely away from heat and small kids.
Wear tight fitting cotton clothes while burstingfireworks.
Play and display the fireworks in open space only, like in a park.
Keep a first aid kit ready.
Light the crackers from a safe distance preferably with a candle tied to a stick.
Wash the wound/eye thoroughly with plenty of clean tap water which is usually handy in case of accident.
Visit a qualified doctor /eye specialist as soon as possible.
DON’Ts
Don’t let small children or sickor old persons stand close by while lighting crackers.
Burst crackers in hand or close to the body or shoot rockets at each other.
Cover the bomb with the item like empty tins, bottles or saucers.These missiles are really dangerous ones.
Go near fiddle with or go near a fused cracker as they burst without warning.
Bend over while cracker lighting but light them with long sticks from a safe distance.
Rub the eye or force them open in case of accident and do not put any medicine specially ointment in the eye.
Play Safe This Diwali: crackers can cause serious eye injuries; follow do’s and don’t strictly-Dr Boparai wishes Safe Diwali to everyone.
Note: The views expressed are personal. The writer, Dr Sukhdip Singh Boparai is a Director, Patiala Eye Hospital, Patiala
