|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 22 December 2002 |
 |
|
 |
News |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Beware of sub-standard firecrackers - Accident Services chief by Shanika Sriyananda Liyanage With the festive season on, the Accident Services Chief of the Colombo National Hospital (CNH) warns the public to beware of the sub-standard fire crackers, and requests the public to take extra care when travelling since the majority of persons admitted to the CNH during the season are victims of road accidents. Dr. Anil Jayasinghe, Director of the Accident Services told the Sunday Observer that during the festive season, the number of victims of road accidents, violence and firecrackers accidents are high during this time of year. According to Dr. Jayasinghe, victims of road accidents top the list during the months of December and January mainly due to changes in the day-to-day, lifestyles of the people with extra activities and the stress involved in celebrating the festivals. "Victims of violence are on the increase because more people flock to places such as shopping complexes and entertainment centres, especially musical shows. The other main problem is alcohol which leads to more road accidents and violence," he pointed out. Dr. Jayasinghe said that while the number of accidents were doubling during this season, the severity of the cases were also increasing. "Compared to 2000 during the Christmas with 2001 December 24 to 25; victims who had been transferred have increased by 45 per cent. The total number of direct admissions during the same period increased by 23 per cent," Dr. Jayasinghe said. In 2001, 50 persons died of accidents during the festive period, he said. According to Dr. Jayasinghe, a number of incidence of firecrackers accidents fluctuate and do not increase alarmingly. However, he cautioned parents not to give firecrackers to small children since when a child is wounded by these crackers it is difficult for them to make a fast recovery. "Last year, 24 persons, including eight children below 15-years-old, were admitted with severe injuries due to mishaps from firecrackers to the Accident ward during December 31 to January 1," he added. Dr. Jayasinghe said that two victims of Tuesday's fire at Adamalee complex, Gasworks Street are being treated in hospitals. They will be sent home soon, as they are recovering fast. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
