BENGALURU: Diwali, the festival of lights, is never complete without the traditional bursting of firecrackers. Apart from the fun and frolic, it can result in many a life threatening accidents. Children, because of their inquisitive nature and the excitement surrounding fireworks are particularly vulnerable. Usually 70-80 % of injuries are seen in children in the age group of 10-18 yrs.
Firework accidents occur primarily due to crackers which explode, like bombs, poor quality flower pots and rockets. Good quality, non-explosive crackers like sparklers (with a safety wooden stick) and fire pencils used under supervision are safer ways to celebrate.
Firecracker injuries primarily affect the hands and eyes. The most frequent type of injury caused by firecrackers is burns, laceration on the hands, face and eyes. In severe cases it might even cause amputation of fingers and fractures.
Firecracker injuries can also cause serious and irreparable damage to the eyes and can even lead to vision loss. Eye injuries occur because of the sudden blast of crackers close to the face. Usually, the victim would develop pain, redness, watering and foreign body sensation in the eye. In severe cases bleeding can also occur. The injured person may have corneal abrasions/lacerations, hyphaema i.e. blood clot in the eye or a foreign body [shrapnel] lodged in the eye, in extreme cases leading to enucleation [removal of eyeball].
Basic First aid for firecracker injury is washing the eyes immediately with clean water. Splashing clean water into the eyes can wash away foreign bodies especially (mud, gun powder, burnt materials) in and around the eye. If the irritation still persists, meet the closest ophthalmologist.
In case of severe burns over face and eyes, avoid self-medication and rush to the nearest doctor. At times it may call for hospitalisation and even immediate intervention (surgery).
Dr Raghu Nagaraju,
Consultant,
Dr.Agarwal’s Eye Hospital