PGI experts list dos & don’ts for safe Diwali

As the festive season approaches, the Department of Plastic Surgery, PGIMER, has issued an advisory urging citizens to celebrate Diwali with joy, care and safety, reminding everyone that a moment of carelessness can turn a festival of light into one of pain and loss.

Highlighting the rising number of injuries reported every year during Diwali, Dr Atul Parashar, Head of the Department, emphasised that most hand and burn injuries are entirely avoidable through simple precautions.

“Every Diwali, we receive numerous patients suffering from severe burns, finger amputations and permanent loss of hand function. These incidents occur mainly due to unsafe practices such as lighting crackers while holding them or attempting to relight unexploded ones,” he said.

The Department has made comprehensive arrangements to manage emergency burn cases during the festive season, with specialised medical teams available round the clock. However, Dr Parashar stressed that prevention remains the best protection.

The advisory lists several safety measures that can significantly reduce the risk of injury and environmental harm. Citizens are urged to avoid wearing loose or synthetic clothing while lighting diyas, candles or fireworks, as these fabrics can easily catch fire.

Instead, cotton garments are recommended. Maintaining an arm’s distance when lighting crackers or diyas and ensuring that used crackers are safely disposed of in water or sand, are also key safety steps. The Department particularly cautioned against holding or relighting crackers that fail to explode, noting that such actions often lead to serious facial and hand injuries. It also advised wearing closed shoes while bursting crackers to protect the feet from sparks and debris. If a burn occurs, PGIMER experts recommend pouring clean, cool water over the affected area immediately until the burning sensation stops.

Importantly, toothpaste, butter, ink or other household substances should never be applied, as they can worsen the injury. Any rings, bangles or tight accessories around the burnt area should be removed promptly to prevent swelling-related complications.

In case of clothing catches fire, the Department reiterated the essential safety mantra — “Stop, Drop and Roll”. One must stop moving to prevent flames from spreading, drop to the ground to protect the face, and roll over to extinguish the flames. A thick rug or blanket can also be used to cut off oxygen supply and smother the fire.

Additional advice includes keeping a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby while lighting diyas or crackers and avoiding rubbing the eyes in the event of an eye injury. Instead, the affected eye should be gently rinsed with clean water and immediate medical help must be sought from an eye specialist.