Patiala (Kaka Ram Verma):- Instead of indulging in showmanship during Diwali and other festivals, efforts should be focused on safety, prevention and helping those in need, said Kaka Ram Verma, retired Training Supervisor of the Red Cross. He stated that last year, 165 children in Punjab lost their eyesight due to firecrackers and explosive devices. Thousands of shops, houses and buildings were reduced to ashes due to accidents involving fires, electricity and petroleum products. Hundreds of people sustained injuries in incidents involving fires, electricity, gas leaks and road accidents, while many lost their lives because adequate safety precautions were not taken.
At Veer Haqiqat Rai Model School, Kaka Ram Verma trained NCC cadets, Scout and Guide members, and NSS volunteers in methods to prevent accidents and rescue victims. He advised those bursting firecrackers and explosive devices on rooftops to tie a candle to the end of a long stick and use it to light the firecrackers from a safe distance. In case of burns, clean running water should be poured over the affected area for 15 minutes.
He explained that in cases of unconsciousness, shock, heart attack or cardiac arrest, victims should be placed in the recovery or ventilator position, provided first aid and assessed using the ABCD procedure, with CPR administered when required. He also advised people to protect their ears from noise by using cotton plugs and to cover their nose and mouth with a handkerchief or mask to protect themselves from pollution.
He further informed the participants about important emergency helpline numbers: 112/181 for police assistance, 101 for fire brigade, 108 for ambulance services, 1906 for gas leakage emergencies and 1930 for cyber security-related complaints.
School President Vipin Sharma, Principal Sarla Bhatnagar and Programme Coordinator Sachna Sharma thanked Kaka Ram Verma. They said that his continuous efforts to educate students, teachers, police personnel and factory workers about first aid, CPR, fire safety, disaster management and healthcare help reduce accidents, minimise loss of life and property, and save precious lives.
