A retrospective study on clinical profile of patients with firecracker-related injury presenting to the emergency department of a tertiary care center in South India

Abstract

Background: Firecracker injuries are very common in India. They are mostly used during the various festivals celebrated in India. This study analyses the profile and outcome of firecracker injuries in the emergency department (ED). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of all firecracker-related injury patients presenting to our ED. Details of the incident, injuries, management, and outcome were noted. Data were extracted from the ED triage software and hospital electronic database. Results: We received a total number of 13,604 trauma patients to our ED, among which 92 (0.7%) had firecracker burst-related injury. The mean age of the patient was 27 (standard deviation 11.6) years. Male (97.8%) predominance was noted. Majority of them were triaged to Priority II, i.e., 64 (70%) patients and 6 (6%) in Priority I. The mean number of incidents per month during the festive season of Diwali was 3.25 compared to 3.95 during the rest of the year. The majority of the injuries had sustained lacerations (78.5%), followed by abrasions (12.9%). Among all patients, only 4.3% (4) suffered second- and third-degree burns each. It was noted that the upper limbs (79.6%) were most commonly involved as expected, followed by the face (16.1%). The new injury severity score was more than 5 in (6.4%) of patients. Most patients were taken up for emergency procedures such as wound wash, debridement, suturing, or nailing of the fractures in the ED. Majority (81.5%) required hospital admission and had to undergo major surgical intervention. The rest were either discharged stable or discharged against medical advice after primary care. Conclusions: This study has expressed the pattern of firecracker injuries. An alarmingly high number of young adolescents with significant upper limb injuries were noted. Public awareness and education along with increase legislative enforcement are needed for the betterment and well-being of the mass during the festival season to prevent the catastrophe since these injuries are prevalent in the productive age groups.