Garba Organizer Introduces Ambulance Service Amid Rising Heart Attack Risk

Tragic Incidents of Heart Attacks During Garba Festivals Raise Concerns

My younger brother, Chirag Parmar, had a strong passion for playing Garba in our hometown of Junagadh. He had been participating in Garba events for years. One day, while attending a coaching class for practice, he suddenly collapsed while dancing Garba. We rushed him to the Civil Hospital, where the doctors informed us that he had suffered a heart attack. My brother, at the age of 24, succumbed to death.

Sudden Heart Attacks Among Garba Enthusiasts in Gujarat

Recently, there has been a concerning rise in the number of young people, aged 19 to 24, suffering from heart attacks due to Garba dancing. In cities like Junagadh, Surat, and Jamnagar, three young individuals lost their lives during Garba events. This alarming trend has raised questions about the safety of Garba festivals.

Ensuring Safety During Garba Celebrations

With the upcoming Navratri festival, the sudden occurrence of heart attacks during Garba dances has become a significant concern. People involved in organizing Garba events are now grappling with the ethical dilemma of how to ensure the safety of participants in case of such emergencies. Dr. Anish Chandarana, a renowned cardiologist in Gujarat, has offered some recommendations.

Installing Automated External Defibrillators (AED) at Garba Venues

It is essential to have automated external defibrillator (AED) machines available at Garba venues, especially where thousands of people gather. These machines can be lifesavers, as they can quickly assess a person’s heart condition and deliver a shock if necessary. Dr. Anish Chandarana emphasizes the need for Garba event organizers to equip their venues with AED machines.

Cost and Availability of AED Machines

AED machines are available for purchase, with prices ranging from 3 to 4 lakh rupees. These machines have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, making it a feasible investment for large Garba organizers. Dr. Anish Chandarana suggests that Garba event organizers should consider making this investment to ensure the safety of participants.

First Aid and Medical Facilities at Garba Venues

In addition to AED machines, Garba venues should also have first aid supplies, essential medical equipment, and medications available. Dr. Chandarana recommends that event organizers create a medical station with a doctor and nurses present during Garba events. This will provide immediate assistance to anyone in need.

Importance of CPR Training

Dr. Chandarana stresses the importance of providing CPR training to individuals attending Garba events. In case of an emergency, bystanders trained in CPR can provide immediate assistance until medical professionals arrive. This can significantly increase the chances of survival.

Chief Minister’s Initiative on CPR Training

Last year, on April 2nd, the Gujarat BJP Doctors’ Cell initiated CPR training for approximately 1,200 doctors across 38 colleges in the state. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the program at the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. The goal was to provide doctors with training in CPR and other life-saving techniques to address heart-related emergencies promptly.

Government’s Role in Promoting Safety Measures

As the Navratri festival approaches, it is imperative to implement safety measures to prevent heart attacks during Garba celebrations. The government should consider taking the lead in promoting and enforcing safety standards at Garba venues to protect the lives of participants.

How is Permission Granted for Grand Garba Events?

To obtain prior approval for organizing grand Garba events, one must apply through a government online portal. This portal provides details about the Garba venue, parking facilities, participating artists, performance schedules, decibel levels, safety measures for electric workshops, fire safety information, and the security agency employed, along with the number of security personnel. All this information needs to be provided. In the post-COVID era, new guidelines have been introduced for Garba event approvals, with some rules being more stringent. It is essential to have a first-aid kit available at Garba venues.

Getting Approval from the City Police Commissioner’s Office

Permission for Garba event organization is granted from the office of the City Police Commissioner. Before granting approval, police department senior officers also conduct meetings with event organizers. Afterward, written permission for the event is issued in person.

Youth Meet Sudden Deaths During Celebrations and Play

In Jamnagar on September 26th, a 19-year-old youth suffered a heart attack during Garba practice in Patel Park. The young man, named Vinay Kunvaria, suddenly collapsed while practicing Garba steps. Bystanders rushed him to the nearby GG Hospital immediately. Unfortunately, the doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

In the Bagumara village of Palasana taluka in Surat, on September 27th, a 21-year-old named Darshan Rathod was participating in Garba celebrations. During the event, he suddenly collapsed. He was immediately taken to a hospital for emergency care. According to information provided by those close to him, there were no signs of illness or symptoms prior to his collapse. Darshan was enjoying Garba with his friends before this unexpected incident.

On May 2, 2023, in Rajkot’s Mavdi Vistar, a young man, Amit Chauhan, aged 36, died during Dandiya Raas festivities. He was attending his brother’s wedding, where Dandiya Raas was being played. Family members rushed him to the hospital, but he had already passed away. Amit Chauhan worked in a dye factory.

In Tarapuram, Anand, last year during Navratri, an incident shocked everyone. During the festivities organized by the Tarapur Shiva Shakti Society, a 21-year-old named Virendrasinh Rajput collapsed while participating in Garba. A video of Virendrasinh’s struggle had gone viral on social media.