PATNA, Nov. 8 -- As the festive season illuminates homes across the capital, medical experts and the district administration sounded an urgent appeal for heightened vigilance against burn injuries, severe air pollution, and emergency hazards. Highlighting the risk of firecracker mishaps, Dr Veena Kumari Singh, head of the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery at AIIMS Patna, cautioned that basic safety measures and immediate first aid are vital. She advised celebrating strictly in open outdoor areas away from structures and inflammable objects, accompanied by a readily accessible bucket of sand or water. "Adults must actively supervise children throughout the festivities, ensuring that everyone wears snug-fitting cotton clothing alongside closed footwear, while firmly steering clear of loose or synthetic fabrics," Dr Singh said. She also warned against holding active crackers like fountains in hand, leaning over ignited items, or re-igniting duds. Outlining vital first-aid steps if an accident occurs, Dr Singh stated: "Victims must immediately pour clean, cool water over the burnt site continuously for thirty minutes to halt deeper tissue damage." She added that constrictive accessories like rings and bangles should be removed before swelling sets in, warning: "Under no circumstances should traditional home remedies like toothpaste, raw oils, ghee, or turmeric be applied, nor should blistered skin be picked or punctured." Simultaneously, plunging air quality and dense smoke pose acute risks to vulnerable residents. Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Professor and Head of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery at AIIMS Patna, warned that airborne toxins severely strain compromised heart and respiratory systems. "Known heart patients should stay indoors during peak hours," Dr Kumar advised. In case of sudden airway constriction, he noted that patients should administer bronchodilator puffs, emphasising that "they should rush to doctor in case the complication persists." Underscoring that cardiac distress must never be dismissed, Dr Kumar stressed that "they should consult their doctor in case of either of chest pain, anxiety and palpitations." Meanwhile, the district administration has stepped up security, medical readiness, and traffic monitoring. Senior Superintendent of Police Kartikeya K. Sharma and District Magistrate Kundan Kumar have mobilised field personnel and magistrates to crack down on illegal firecracker sales and curb anti-social activity. Placing emergency wings on high alert, District Magistrate Kundan Kumar instructed: "Healthcare services and fire services must remain on their toes around the clock to counter any mishaps, respond instantly to distress calls, and guarantee that no citizen faces a delay in medical or emergency assistance during the festive rush." It must be mentioned here that major healthcare institutions, including AIIMS, PMCH, NMCH, IGIMS, and local primary health centers, have established dedicated medical teams and standby ambulance fleets. That apart, fire services have similarly positioned fuelled, water-replenished tenders across subdivisions for immediate deployment. Patna district administration further urged residents to celebrate responsibly and immediately contact emergency helpline numbers-including the district control room at 0612-2219234, the police control room at 0612-2219810, or national emergency dial 112-in the event of any crisis....