10 die of heart attack in last 24 hours at Gujarat's garba events
Gujarat, October 22: In a devastating turn of events, Gujarat has witnessed the loss of at least ten lives due to heart attacks during Garba celebrations over the past 24 hours. These casualties spanned various age groups, with the youngest victim being a 13-year-old boy from Dabhoi, Baroda.
The gravity of the situation became strikingly evident when a 24-year-old man from Ahmedabad tragically collapsed while participating in the energetic Garba dance and subsequently lost his life. Similarly, a 17-year-old boy from Kapadwanj met a similar fate during the joyous celebrations. Several other such incidents have been reported across the state in the last day, underscoring the somber toll these events have taken on the community.
Adding to the distressing situation, over the initial six days of Navratri, the 108 emergency ambulance services received an alarming 521 calls related to heart-related concerns and an additional 609 calls reporting breathlessness. These calls were predominantly recorded between 6 pm and 2 am, the peak hours for Garba festivities.
The alarming surge in heart-related emergencies has spurred both the government and event organizers into action. The state government has issued an alert to all government hospitals and community health centers (CHCs) situated near Garba venues, urging them to remain on high alert and prepared to provide immediate medical attention.
Event organizers have also been directed to create dedicated corridors that allow ambulances swift access to the venues in case of emergencies. Safety measures have been amplified with the deployment of medical professionals and ambulances at these venues. Additionally, organizers are now focusing on providing CPR training to their staff and ensuring an ample supply of water for participants, prioritizing the well-being of those taking part in the celebrations.
- With inputs from agencies