Diwali is the festival of lights. Fire is the predominant element that is seen everywhere. As beautiful as it looks, the more dangerous it actually is. There are all kinds of reasons for accidents to occur- Diwali diyas, candles, firecrackers, etc. Prevention is always better than cure. With the necessary precautions taken, one can be rest assured. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Save emergency care number (Vikram Super Specialty Hospital(No: 080-7100-4500)in your phone which is a hospitals with ICU in Bangalore
• Before bursting fireworks, ensure to keep a bucket full of water and a first aid kit handy
• Always burst crackers from a distance using candle/agarbatti and under adult supervision
• Avoid wearing loose clothing and open footwear

To know precisely what kind of first aid tips to render one should know more about the disease which in this case is burns. In case of minor burns- first degree burns, only the outer layer of skin is burned. The skin usually gets red with swelling. When blisters develop on the skin and it becomes intensely reddened with splotchy appearance, it is a second degree burn. It is accompanied with severe pain and swelling. Major burns or the most serious burns, also called third degree burns. The burnt area becomes charred black or appears dry and white. First Aid for Minor Burns

• In the event of minor burns, hold the burnt area under cold running water(not too cold) for at least five minutes or until the burning sensation/pain subsides.
• Cover the burnt area with a sterile gauze bandage. Bandaging helps keeping air off the burned skin, reduces pain and protects blistered skin.
• Do not use ice. The wound takes longer to heal when ice is applied on it. Also, don’t use ghee, oil, butter or any ointment etc. on the burn as it increases the risk of infection.
• Don’t break blisters, it may cause infection. In case of infection, seek medical help.

First Aid for Major Burns

• To put off the intensive fire, make the victim roll on the floor with a blanket. Make sure that the victim is no longer in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke/ heat. However, don’t remove burnt clothing.
• Check for signs of circulation- breathing, coughing or movement. If there is no breathing or other sign of circulation, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combined with mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing.
• Elevate the burned body part or parts. If possible, raise them above heart level.
• Cover the burn area with a cool, moist, sterile bandage or a clean, moist cloth. You can even use moist towels for the purpose.
• Call medical emergency care number (Vikram Super Specialty Hospital(Hospitals with ICU in bangalore): 080-7100-4500) immediately.

Diwali is a happy time but also the most accident prone day. With a little care and precaution, we can always enjoy a safe and happy Diwali.

All it takes is a moment that decides the life or death of a person. It is that moment where the patient needs a doctor the most. Cardiac and respiratory emergencies need immediate care. It is that critical period which we at Vikram, one of India’s leading Hospitals with ICU in Bangalore call “The Golden Hour”.  The kind of help rendered during the initial 30 minutes can have the serious short term and long term effects on the patient. Contine reading →