Hyderabad: Stampedes, often triggered by panic, fear or a sudden rush in crowded situations, are dangerous and can lead to serious injury or even death.A stampede at the release of ‘Pushpa 2’ led to the death of a woman and her eight-year-old son is in a critical condition. The key to surviving such situations lies in preparation, awareness, and staying calm. Experts share their insights on how to protect yourself and your children if you find yourself in a stampede.One of the most important ways to stay safe during a stampede is by planning ahead. Familiarise yourself with the layout of the venue and identify emergency exits before the crowd gathers. Avoid overcrowded areas, and always choose spots closer to the exit.Dr Praveen Kumar Kulkarni, senior consultant at KIMS Hospitals, advised, “Be observant of your surroundings, and try to locate alternate routes to exit, as usual exits may become blocked in a stampede.”If a stampede begins, staying calm is crucial.Dr Ajit Singh, associate vice-president of CARE Hyderabad, suggested, “Move with the crowd and avoid pushing against the flow. Aim to move diagonally toward the edges of the crowd, not directly against it.”Pushing against the rush can lead to being crushed or trapped. Dr Kulkarni also emphasised the importance of remaining upright and conserving energy: “Always try to stay on your feet, as this helps save your breath and prevents exhaustion.”During a stampede, the most common cause of serious injuries is being crushed, especially in the chest and head. Protecting your chest and head is essential. Dr Kulkarni recommended, “If you’re pushed to the ground, curl up into a ball, cover your head with your arms, and protect your ribcage with your hands up, like a boxer.” This simple action can create space around your chest, making it easier to breathe and preventing life-threatening injuries.Protecting children in a stampede requires extra attention. Before heading to crowded events, ensure your child ensure children stay close to you at all times and understands basic safety intructions such as holding hands and staying calm.“In case of a stampede, pick up smaller children immediately and carry them close to your chest for added protection,” advised Dr Singh. Teach older children to stay close, avoid pushing against the crowd, and move with the flow toward safety. It’s also important to teach them to curl into a ball to protect themselves if they fall.Certain areas can worsen the danger during a stampede, such as doorways and hallways where pressure increases as more people crowd into these narrow spaces. Dr Kulkarni advised avoiding these ‘choke points’ and suggested moving to an open area or taking cover in indoor spaces like a room, tree, or vehicle, where you can breathe more easily and avoid being trapped.In the event that someone becomes unresponsive during a stampede, it’s essential to act quickly. “Immediately evacuate the person to a safe area with the help of others, and if necessary, start CPR,” said Dr Kulkarni.Seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent further complications.WAYS TO AVOID ACCIDENTS1. Plan ahead and be prepared2. Stay calm and follow the flow3. Protect your head and chest4. Keep children safe5. Avoid dangerous areas6. Start CPR and seek medical aid in case someone is injured
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