Diwali Emergency Preparedness: 16% Surge in Fire Accidents, 108 Service Readies 838 Ambulances, 38 ICUs, 2 Boats & 1 Air Ambulance

In Gujarat, preparations for the Diwali festival are underway. However, during this time, incidents of accidents tend to increase in the state. On the new year and Bhai Beej days, there is typically a rise in fire accidents, with cases increasing from 10% to 16%. In response, the 108 Emergency Service has made advance arrangements to manage accidents and fire incidents related to the Diwali celebrations. 

They are prepared to ensure that the 108 ambulances reach the incident sites quickly. If any fire or accident occurs in the state, there will be 838 ambulances, 38 ICU on wheels, 2 boats, and 1 air ambulance on standby.

Increase in Emergency Cases During Diwali and New Year

On average, there are around 4,500 cases of accidents on a typical day. Jashwant Prajapati, CEO of the 108 Emergency Service, stated that normally, there are between 4,000 to 4,500 cases reported. 

This year, it is expected that there may be an increase of approximately 2.5% in cases during the Diwali and Bhai Beej days. Emergency calls see a significant rise of 16% during the New Year, and an increase of 13% is anticipated on Bhai Beej day.

Surge in Emergency Cases During Diwali Celebrations

Additionally, it was noted that during the Diwali festivities, there is a higher incidence of cases related to fire, accidents, brawls, falls, and respiratory issues. Cases of burns can increase by as much as 475% in a single day. On New Year and Bhai Beej days, an increase of 150% to 200% is recorded.

Higher Incidence of Cases in North and Central Gujarat During Diwali

During the Diwali festival, higher numbers of cases are reported in districts such as Aravalli, Mahisagar, Mehsana, Chhota Udaipur, and Dahod. In urban areas like Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, and Rajkot, black spots have been identified. 

Measures have been put in place at these black spots, including arrangements for traffic control, speed bumps, signals, and signage. Cases of speeding and accidents during outings for the festival are frequently observed, with 75% of cases attributed to road accidents. There is also an increase in incidents involving individuals not wearing helmets.

Coordination with Hospitals for Emergency Cases

The state has 838 ambulances, 38 ICU on wheels, two boats, and one air ambulance operational for the 108 Emergency Service. To accommodate the increased demand during the festival, additional staff has been allocated to the emergency service. 

Medications and other provisions have also been made available in the ambulances. During the festival, coordination with hospitals is established to manage and handle cases effectively. Most accidents tend to occur in the evening hours. As the number of fire accidents increases during the Diwali festival, the public is urged to exercise caution and maintain safety measures.