DMC&H launches campaign to spread awareness on fire safety

With festive season around the corner, Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMC&H) has launched a special awareness campaign — Diwali Without Scars — aimed at educating schoolchildren about the prevention of burn injuries and fire safety.

The mission has been initiated by Dr Sheerin Shah, Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, in collaboration with the Fire and Safety Department of DMC&H, to promote a safe and green Diwali.

As part of this ongoing campaign, which began in the first week of October, awareness sessions are being conducted for students from various schools across the Ludhiana district.

During these sessions, students are being educated about government guidelines on celebrating a Green Diwali, safe use of firecrackers and first aid measures in case of burns. The campaign will continue till Diwali, with more awareness sessions planned across different schools to spread the message of a safe and joyous celebration.

Bipin Gupta, Secretary, DMCH Managing Society, appreciated the initiative and stated that the campaign reflects DMC&H’s commitment to community welfare and safety. Reaching out to children with such valuable lessons helps build a culture of responsibility and care during festive times.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr GS Wander, Principal, DMC&H, says that education and awareness are the first steps toward prevention. Through initiatives like ‘Diwali Without Scars,’ the aim is to ensure that celebrations remain joyous, safe and environmentally responsible, he said.

Dr RK Mittal, Professor and Head, Department of Plastic Surgery, and Dr Ramneesh Garg, Professor, Department of Plastic Surgery, also supported the campaign and encouraged the public to celebrate Diwali responsibly while staying mindful of burn prevention and emergency readiness.

Dr Sheerin Shah advised the public to celebrate Diwali responsibly by lighting diyas safely away from curtains, using only certified green crackers, and wearing cotton clothes instead of synthetic ones. She laid emphasis on maintaining a safe distance while bursting crackers, keeping water or sand nearby, and ensuring adult supervision for children. She also cautioned against lighting crackers in hand, relighting faulty ones or using fireworks near crowded places and open flames. In case of burns, she urged people to cool the area with clean water and seek prompt medical care rather than applying home remedies.

The plastic and reconstruction surgery team at DMC&H is available on Diwali for emergency cases to ensure the immediate care for any burn-related incidents. Dedicated facilities and first-aid measures are in place to handle cases promptly and ensure the safety and well-being of patients.