Q and A: KMCH ready for burn emergencies

The 10-bedded special ward will be opened on the second floor of the Burns unit at the Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital on Monday and will function until Wednesday night. The ward will cater specifically to victims of cracker burns. It has all the medicines and other required facilities to deal with all the cases. Doctors, nurses and other staff will be available at the ward 24x7 and cater to all the needs of the victims.

Last year, the ward saw almost 55 cases of which 14 were admitted – 12 children and two adults. 

In the case of children bursting crackers, it is essential that the elders are present to oversee them. It is important that people bursting crackers wear cotton clothes and it is also important to wear footwear. Ensure you keep a bucket of water nearby in the case of emergencies. In case you develop burns, ensure you pour water on the wound first. Avoid putting any form of powder, including wheat, turmeric or the like on the injury. Don’t let children touch unburst crackers. Also, avoid collectively burning crackers that have not been used.