Diwali firecracker burns 11-year-old’s eye in Bhopal:AIIMS issues safety advisory; 52 burn cases reported last year

An 11-year-old child in Bhopal was injured when a firecracker gun exploded, burning his eyelid. The pupil turned white, a condition known as leukocoria. This is the first Diwali-related eye injury case this year at Gandhi Medical College (GMC). Doctors will perform surgery on Saturday to save the child’s eye. How the accident happened The incident occurred on Thursday night. The child was checking the firecracker gun after loading it. The gun accidentally fired, hitting his eye. GMC’s Ophthalmology Department gave first aid immediately and completed all tests. Ophthalmologist Dr. S.S. Kubre will perform the surgery once reports are ready. AIIMS Bhopal issues safety advisory Bhopal AIIMS has shared an advisory for Diwali. It explains safe practices while bursting firecrackers and precautions to avoid injuries. Previous Diwali injuries Last Diwali, 52 people were burnt in accidents. A 91-year-old woman’s saree caught fire from a diya, causing 70% burns. She was treated at AIIMS Bhopal but died. Meanwhile, 15 burn patients went to AIIMS, 13 to JP, and 24 to Hamidia Hospital. Six patients required surgery. Most eye injuries during Diwali Eye injuries are common during Diwali. Last year, a 14-year-old child and a 29-year-old youth lost their eyesight at AIIMS Bhopal. At Hamidia, two patients suffered burns over 50% of their bodies. They were treated in the Burn and Plastic Surgery department and discharged after about 20 days. Types of injuries Dr. Aditi Dubey from GMC said burn injuries during Diwali are mainly of two types: chemical and thermal. Thermal burns are especially dangerous. The fire and chemicals in the firecrackers can cause long-term damage. Timely treatment can save eyesight GMC’s ophthalmology department is fully alert this Diwali. Doctors advised that anyone injured should go to the hospital immediately. Quick treatment increases the chances of saving eyesight. Proper first aid for burns Dr. Anand Gautam, Burn and Plastic Surgery expert, said: He shared an example of a young man whose sky shot did not explode. When he checked it, it went off and caused burns. Special arrangement at GMC GMC has prepared a special room for Diwali emergencies. It is equipped with necessary tools and consumables for eye and burn cases. This room will also serve as an Information Centre, coordinating with the Emergency Medicine and Ophthalmology departments. ​