DOH logs 25 fireworks-related injuries

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 25 cases of fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) has been recorded, the Department of Health (DOH) reported.

“There are now 25 cases from Dec. 21 to 27. The very recent five cases of FWRI were recorded from Dec. 26 up to yesterday,” DOH officer-in-charge (OIC) Maria Rosario Vergeire said at a press briefing yesterday.

“At the same time period last year, we had 22 cases. So our cases right now are 14 percent higher than last year.”

The DOH-Epidemiology Bureau report noted that Western Visayas reported the most number of cases followed by Bicol Region, Central Visayas and Soccsksargen.

Twenty-three (92 percent) cases involved males, 13 cases (52 percent) sustained eye injuries while two cases (8 percent) had blast/burn injuries with amputation. The report also said 16 cases (64 percent) involved active cases or those that actually used the firecrackers.

Eighteen injuries (72 percent) occurred at home while seven (28 percent) occurred in the street. Five cases (20 percent) were said to be intoxicated during the time of injury while there were four cases (17 percent) admitted in hospitals.

The DOH added that no death was reported.

The DOH likewise issued reminders to the public that in case of FWRI, one must first check the extent of the injury. “If there is too much blood already as a result of the injury or there is a serious damage to a finger or fingers, you can first wrap it in a clean cloth and immediately seek medical assistance at a nearby hospital,” said Vergeire.

As to minor wounds or burn, the DOH OIC advised for it to be thoroughly washed with soap and water, and observe the injuries.

Vergeire also stressed that the country’s hospitals are 100 percent ready for any eventuality during the New Year’s Eve merrymaking.

Higher

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said the number of firecracker-related incidents in time for holiday revelries has increased this year compared to 2021.

“Those related to firecrackers, explosion or fireworks, for this year, we recorded 19 already, compared to last year of same period it was seven,” BFP spokesperson Fire Superintendent Annalee Carbajal-Atienza said over Unang Balita. “We are monitoring it right now and we are intensifying information dissemination so that these numbers won’t increase anymore.”

Atienza said they are continuously trying to educate the public to be careful and try to avoid firecrackers and instead watch public fireworks displays to ring in the New Year.

Meanwhile, the BFP recorded fewer fire incidents for the year 2022 compared to 2021, and that majority of the fires were due to faulty electrical ignition or wiring.

There were 3,029 total fire incidents from Jan. 1 to Dec. 26 this year compared to 13,574 incidents recorded in the same period last year, according to the BFP. – Ramon Efren Lazaro, Emmanuel Tupas, Romina Cabrera