Firecracker injuries climbing, says DOH

Department of Health statistics show that from 2002 to 2004,the number of people in the region getting injured from careless handling of firecrackers increased.

In 2002, 96 sustained injuries without having to undergo amputation, 138 in 2003, and 145 the following year.

Twenty-four required amputation in 2002, 11 in 2003, and 17 in 2004.

Most of these incidents occurred during Christmas Day and New Year's eve, said Renan Cimafranca, nurse coordinator of the Regional Epidemiological and Surveillance Unit of DOH-7.

Statistics indicates that most of the victims were males and mostly 16 years old and were under the influence of liquor.

Cimafranca attributes the increasing number of injuries to poor implementation of laws.

He said firecrackers are sold openly along the sidewalks and in public markets.

The DOH has launched FOURmula Kontra Paputok for this year in lieu of Oplan Iwas Paputok of the previous years.

The FOURmula Kontra Paputok encourages the public to use alternative noise-generating implements such as drums and "torotot." It encourages the immediate treatment of the injured, and advised against touching unexploded firecrackers. It also discourages the firing of guns.

Cimafranca also said that starting December 21, the RESU-Health Emergency Management Staff will be open 24 hours for any assistance available to hospitals. - Gregg M. Rubio