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Fireworks injuries in children: A prospective study during the festival of lights
Narendra Bagri1, Abhijeet Saha, Sudha Chandelia
1Department of Pediatrics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research and associated Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Paediatric firework injuries during Diwali are common, especially among unsupervised boys over 10. Misuse and device failure cause hand, face, and eye injuries, highlighting the need for supervision and safety measures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Injury Epidemiology
- Public Health & Safety
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Diwali, the festival of lights, is associated with a significant incidence of firework-related injuries in children.
- Understanding the epidemiology of these injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiology of paediatric firework-related injuries in Delhi during Diwali.
- To identify common causes, injury patterns, and demographic factors associated with these injuries.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study was conducted over two consecutive Diwalis (2010-2011).
- Data were collected from all children presenting with firework injuries to the emergency room.
- A predesigned proforma was used to record injury details.
Main Results:
- A total of 65 cases were recorded, with 75% males and most children over 10 years old.
- Majority (90%) of injured children were unsupervised.
- Common causes included misuse (e.g., holding ignited crackers) and device failure.
- Hands (62%), face (32%), and eyes (10%) were the most frequently injured sites.
- Most injuries were managed conservatively, with a small percentage requiring surgical intervention.
Conclusions:
- Parental supervision, especially for males, is critical.
- Wearing appropriate clothing (non-synthetic, non-flowing) can mitigate risks.
- Promoting branded fireworks and implementing school-based educational campaigns are recommended to reduce firework injuries in children.
Objective:
We studied the epidemiology of paediatric firework-related injury in the urban population of Delhi during the festival of lights (Diwali).
Methods:
In this prospective observational study, data were collected on the day of Diwali for two consecutive years, 2010 and 2011. All children with firework injuries coming to the emergency room were included in the study. Data were recorded in a predesigned proforma.
Results:
Of the 65 cases, 75% were males and 25% were females; most children were more than 10 years of age and majority (90%) of them were unsupervised. Half (49%) of the cases were due to misuse of the fireworks or erratic behaviour, among which the most common observed mode was igniting cracker while holding it (18 cases; 24% of total injuries), which led to injuries to the hand and palm. Device failure was the next common cause for firework injuries, including unexpected blast of the crackers and string bomb as the most common. Overall, the most commonly injured body sites were hands (62%), face (32%) and eyes (10%). Crackers and string bomb mainly caused injuries to hands; fountains and gunpowder caused injuries to the face. Sixty (94%) children were managed conservatively and 5 (6%) required skin grafting and tendon repair.
Conclusion:
We recommend parental supervision especially for males, wearing non-synthetic and non-flowing clothes, promoting branded crackers and educational campaigns in schools to curtail the rising trend in firework-related injuries in the paediatric population.
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