- Burn injuries increase by 50% Colombo National Hospital more deaths ….
- The reason for these accidents is the petrol stored in the houses due to the shortage of petrol …
Number of patients being hospitalized due to burn injuries has increased by 50 percent Dr. Gayan Ekanayake, Consultant Plastic surgeon at the Colombo National Hospita told to Lankasara. According to the consultant major factor behind these injuries were Petrol related burnings.
He points out that people who store petrol in their homes due to the shortage of petrol have put their lives at serious risk.
Dr Ekanayaka emphasized that if this situation continues to develop in a context where a serious problem has arisen in the health sector, it will turn into a serious social problem.
Commenting on the situation, He further added:
“In the past, people who were hospitalized with burn injuries were hospitalized due to burns caused by kerosene or hot water or an electrical leak.”
“But last couples of weeks most of the people were hospitalized due to burns caused by petrol. Most of them used petrol to light firewood stoves. Even small children also among the victims. So storing petrol in household is a really a threat. Dealing with petrol is not easy. The risk is very high. ”
“ Even in a vehicle, if petrol cans are stored and evaporate through a small hole, a complete fire can occur when trying to light a lighter.
“Last week, two people died from burn injuries from a fire caused by leaving a candle on the side while pouring oil into the generator.”
Why are gasoline burns deadly?
“Petrol burns cause deeper burns than by kerosene or other liquids. But the burn caused by petrol is able to burn something completely. ”
“Also, when petrol is burned, the temperature rises more than other combustions. That means there is a lot of heat. Also, the body or anything else will burn completely. ”
“Also, gasoline burns are more likely to cause death. Because even if it is treated at the time of the burn, it is more likely to die in a few days, a month or two or three months. ”
“In such a burn there is a risk of death due to other complications in the body.”
“People should immediately realize the seriousness of the burn caused by petrol due to this.”
Dr. Gayan Ekanayaka the Consultant Plastic Surgeon further pointed out that in the backdrop of current crisis it has become a challenge to treat the casualties with latest available treatment methods. “Although we had those days such a sophisticated treatments now we have to rely on best treatments which are affordable and available for us. ” He said.
