Firecracker injuries down 30% this year

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) has recorded only 13 persons who suffered from blast-related injuries last Christmas.

Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) 7 Head Rennan Cimafranca said that the number is roughly 30 percent lower than the cases recorded during the same period last year.

There were 18 victims of firecracker blasts in Cebu during Christmas last year and 30 cases in 2008 during the same period.

The decrease in the number of cases is attributed to the intensive campaign against firecrackers by the health department and the financial crisis, which might have dictated the public to refrain from buying firecrackers.

He added that the efforts of other agencies and local government units could not be discounted. Some LGUs have banned the selling of firecrackers in sidewalks and malls and designated an area to be a firecracker zone.

The 13 cases of firecracker injuries occurred between December 24 to 26.

Of this number, six came from Cebu City, two from Mandaue City, three from Lapu-Lapu City, one from Lilo-an town and one from Negros Oriental.

Harvey Durangparang, RESU Admin Officer 4, said that the 13 cases are only minor cases or burning. There were no reports of injury from stray bullets, unlike last year when there were two.

Cimafranca said that the decreasing trend in the number of cases during Christmas should not make them let their guards down as an increase is still possible come New Year’s Eve and January 1. He said that many people use firecrackers more to celebrate New Year.

From December 27 last year to January 1 this year, DOH recorded 39 cases of blast-related injuries. From December 22 last year to January 1 this year, there were 57 firecracker injuries attended in nine hospitals all over the region. Of the 57, 46 came from Cebu.

Aside from the injuries, there were four reported casualties last year – three from the Mandaue blast in December 24, 2009 and one who died after inhaling toxic gases from an accidentally fired lantaka exactly a year ago.

Cimafranca said starting tomorrow, they will reassess all their preparations including that of the hospitals to get ready for the possible surge of firecracker victims on New Year’s Eve.

Hospitals have so far more than enough preparation and supplies of medicines to cater to patients.

They will also monitor the case of tetanus infection in hospitals because there are instances when the cause of the infection is firecracker yet, it is usually tagged as an ordinary tetanus infection.

Cimafranca reminded the public especially the parents to strictly watch over their children 10 years old and below.

“Naa dapat supervision sa parents kung mupalit ang mga bata og pabuto or kung magpabuto sila. I also remind the public nga kung nakainom gani, di na lang magpabuto kay masayop unya, madisgrasya ra sila,” he said. (Parents must supervise their children and that it’s best to avoid firecrackers if they were drinking.)

The public is also advised to go to the nearest health center or hospital if they were injured to avoid complications like infection. (FREEMAN)