Our beloved Lord Ganpati has arrived in the city and while we prepare ourselves to serve him for ten days it is imperative that we take care of the safety and security aspects as well. Nobody likes to have an injury and dampen the fervor of the festival. There is no escaping the fact that thousands of devotees will visit the various Ganpati Pandals spread across the city and even adjoining districts.
Every individual will make an effort to visit one pandal or the other with their family and friends to seek the Lord’s blessings. The crowd will comprise of men, women, , elderly people, physically ill persons, pregnant women and also the ones with special needs. Needless to say that in such a scenario safety of your loved ones should always remain as the top priority. While the administration on its part will put safety measures in place it is always prudent to exercise caution to avoid injury.
Experts believe that with a little care and caution, we can prevent injuries when there is massive crowd build up. Dr. Santosh Datar, Medical Director and Consultant Doctor from leading emergency healthcare service provider, Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd, suggests some safety tips:
Remain alert and stay calm:
While walking along with a large crowd or while surrounded by a large set of devotees always make sure that you identify the crowd and its strength around you. If the gathering or the crowd build up gets uncomfortable, then try and get out of the place slowly. The key here is to remain calm and not panic seeing the build-up. Women and kids should avoid getting in the middle of the moving crowd.
Be a smart devotee:
Always put some thought to what you are wearing. Comfortable clothing with minimum accessories is best advised. Wear shoes that provide good protection and aren’t slippery. Never stand under a big structure. If possible always stand at a place where there is some room to move around.
Appoint Traffic Guides:
If you are a part of a large group or society pulling the cart during visarjan or reaching a designated place with your friends in a car or bigger vehicle make sure to appoint some traffic guides. This is to avoid taking wrong turns which otherwise leads to chaos in the streets. Never stop for celebrations at random stops. This will only lead to traffic build up at one particular route.
Keep emergency numbers handy:
Even though it seems tough to manage several things in the crowd, one must always have the presence of mind to make a call to an emergency ambulance or police van in case of mishaps. Emergency numbers o like 108 for Ambulance Service , 100 for police, 101 for Fire, etc. should be stored in the speed dial of the phone.
First aid kit:
Make sure that you carry a basic first aid kit with you. In case of some untoward incident you could prove to be a great help. Include essential first aid items such as antiseptic cream, plasters, bandages, scissors, adhesive tapes, dettol and wound cleaning agent for immediate treatment.
Water and fruits:
Water can save life. Never enter a crowd or a religious procession without a bottle of water. If you intend to travel a long way, then make sure you have some fruits with you as well. This will avoid fatigue and keep you on your toes.
Mark the medical centres before hand:
Every year the administration advertises the main areas where one can expect medical centres in case of some emergency. Make sure you have them at the back of your mind.
Festivals are meant to bring joy and happiness in life. Care and caution should always remain a priority.
Be a responsible citizen:
Always make sure that you attend to a fellow devotee if he isn’t feeling well.
The article has been written by Dr. Santosh Datar, Medical Director and Consultant Doctor from leading emergency healthcare service provider, Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd.
