For new year incidents Hospitals go on "Code White Alert"

CEBU, Philippines - The Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, like many hospitals across the country, has been placed on “Code White Alert” and is ready for the rise of possible firecracker-related injuries during the celebration of the New Year few hours from now.

In fact, VSMMC has already set up a “critical room”, exclusively to attend to victims of firecrackers.

Emergency room and trauma center have been designated as back-up areas in case firework victims exceed the number of patients to be accommodated in the critical room.

A “Code White Alert” is for mass casualties, especially in the New Year’s revelry where Filipinos make noise through firecrackers.

The practice, however, has resulted to injuries, even deaths to both children and adults.

In a visit to VSMMC, it was found out that medical supplies, beds and mattresses, stretchers have been readied to cater victims who would come from the different areas from Cebu province.

Also, all attending physicians are in full alert to give 24-hour medical assistance to patients.

In an interview, Henry Go, senior nurse of VSMMC, who headed the “Iwas Paputok,” project of the hospital, said that they are on alert and medical teams are now ready to respond to major accidents and injuries.

He said that although the number of victims and casualties in firework-related accidents has declined over the years, the VSMMC is still on heightened alert

“We always anticipate for worst case scenarios,” he stressed.

According to him, they expect at least 50 firework victims to be accommodated in the critical room, but emphasized that victims will be assessed using triage method or based on the severity of their condition.

Go said the outcome may result in determining the order and priority of emergency treatment, the order and priority of emergency transport, based upon the special needs of the patient or the balancing of patient distribution in a mass-casualty setting.

There would be three classification of patient namely: class A is for able and walking; class B is for those who have minor burns; and class C is already considered under red alert where patients and critical conditions and those who have multiple injuries.

“We expect the number of firecracker victims to come rushing in by 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.,” he said.

Meanwhile, The Health Emergency Management Services has reported that as of December 29, 2009, there are already a total number of 33 firecracker victims, 4 fatalities, and four stray bullets in Region 7.

There are 25 firecracker victims in Cebu with two brought to Everseley Child Hospital in Mandaue City, four to Cebu City Medical Center, and one to Chong Hua Hospital. In VSMMC, there are12 patients who were victims of firecrackers, five in Mandaue District Hospital, and only one in North General Hospital.

Moreover, four firecracker victims were reportedly brought to Gallares Hospital in Bohol and in Negros Oriental, one was brought to Silliman Medical Center and three to Negros Oriental Povincial Hospital.

Earlier, the Department of Health has reminded the public to follow its “Fourmula” campaign namely: do not use firecrackers, never pick up firecrackers that did not blow up and if you cannot avoid using firecrackers, remember to wash your hands after using it, and avoid indiscriminate gun firing. — Marjun A. Baguio, University of Cebu Intern/WAB (FREEMAN NEWS)