Each year in winter, numerous families across Pakistan deal with the loss of loved ones due to circumstances that are normally preventable. These winters associated preventable conditions include:
- Carbon dioxide poisoning
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Gas cylinder explosion
- Burns
Although these conditions can occur at any time of the year but the frequency increases in winter, because in order to stay warm and avoid the cold temperatures, people use different methods to keep themselves warm and some of those methods are quite unsafe and result in unfavorable outcomes.
As healthcare providers, doctors and nurses have to witness these instances and every time it reminds us about the need of educating people, designing policies regarding prevention of such incidents and providing needed care to the victims.
As we know that prevention is always better than cure, in other words we can say that one rupee spent on prevention can potentially save Rs. 10 on the treatment. It is teamwork which requires multiple segments of the society to come together and work to improve the overall situation. The areas that require improvement may include:
- Safety education.
- Standardization.
- Local innovation.
- Resource provision.
- Dissemination of information.
- Quality care, including pre-hospital care.
- Ongoing rehabilitation.
It is not only the Government’s responsibility to provide safety but measures on personal level are required.
I would like to emphasize on personal responsibility to maintain safety. Although people always argue about the role of government regarding their safety and comfort, but it is important to change our mindset and yearn to improve our infrastructure with personal efforts. Keeping in mind the outcomes related to the use of heating devices, one should build house with proper ventilation system. Fire alarms should be installed within the premises. Installation and maintenance should be properly ensured. Follow proper instructions while installing and using heating devices. Ensuring repair of all possible gas leaks. Switching off heating system while going to sleep. Avoid overheating of rooms. Letting fresh air in during the daytime.
Standards set by the government or companies providing heating systems should be checked and verified with frequent surveys by the concerned authorities.
Education material either in the form of booklets or television campaigns should be introduced. The emphasis should be on prevention and possible first aid measures to be given immediately if such casualty occurs.
Doctors and staff available at hospitals and nearby clinics should be well informed about the treatment plans following quick diagnosis. Assessment and proper pathway of the management is essential to avoid further damage post casualty. This not only benefits the patient to recover quickly, but will also be cost effective.
Following burns casualty, rehabilitation is the major target. Family should be counseled even before the patient regarding upcoming changes and challenges. Proper guidance for rehabilitation and referral to the centers to avoid further ailment is the key.
The prevention strategies should be the prime focus of our activities and with combined efforts we need to stay vigilant and work together in this regard.