Over 5,400 medical emergencies reported across state on Diwali: Emergency ambulance services

Cases of non-vehicular trauma increased by 75.73 per cent as compared to last year, with 862 emergencies against the normal average of 491 cases, a statement said.

There was a minor rise – 4.82 per cent – in patients suffering breathing problems, indicating environmental and pollution-related health impacts during the festive period.

Among the major cities of Gujarat, the highest surge of emergency medical cases was reported in Surat (83.78%) followed by Rajkot (85.68%). The rise in cases in Ahmedabad was negligible at 0.82% and in Vadodara it was 4.71%.

Among the smaller districts, there was a significant spike noted in Dahod, Panchmahals, Kutch, Bhavnagar, Anand, and Kheda—each recording at least 25 or more emergencies than usual.

Among categories of injuries, a total of 58 burn injuries were reported with the highest from Ahmedabad (17), followed by Surat (8), Jamnagar (5), and Navsari (4).

As during all major festivals, there was a 144 per cent rise in cases of physical assault this year in Diwali, with major spikes observed in Dahod, Gandhinagar, Jamnagar, Kachchh, Mahesana, Panchmahals, Rajkot, and Surat districts.

In the three days between Dhanteras and Diwali (October 18-20), the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital reported 44 patients of road traffic accidents and 15 burns cases. Of the burn cases, six were hurt by exploding firecrackers and 6 others by sparklers and 3 others by rockets. However, all were treated on OPD basis since they had minor injuries, said Medical Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi.

A total of 46 burns patients were treated at AMC-run hospitals in Ahmedabad, said the Health department of the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. These included 2 OPD patients at Shardaben Hospital, 19 OPD and 3 IPD patients at LG Hospital, 15 OPD and 2 IPD patients at Nagari Hospital and 5 OPD cases at VS Hospital. There were no cases at SVP Hospital.