CEBU, Philippines - Regional health authorities have recorded a four-percent drop in the number of fireworks-related injuries in Central Visayas the other day compared to Christmas last year.
Through its Health Emergency Management Staff, the Department of Health-7 Aksyon Paputok Injury Reduction (APIR) said there were 22 cases this year than last year’s 23 incidents.
Of the 22 cases, 20 were in Cebu Province, while two were in Negros Oriental.
Of the 20 Cebu cases, 10 were blast or burn injuries that do not require amputation, three needed amputation, five involved fire injuries, while two, who were from Cebu City were stray bullet injuries.
Most victims were males with an average age of 15 years old, though the complete age range of those injured were from five to 41 years old.
As monitored by HEMS, the most common firecrackers that caused the injuries include the hotdog, Judas belt, whistle bomb, pop up, and canister.
Of last year’s figures, Cebu province accounted for 20, while the remaining three were from Bohol.
The firecrackers victims were brought to the Cebu City Medical Center and Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center, both with six cases; and Lapu-Lapu City Hospital, Mandaue City Hospital, Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital, with two cases each.
Chong Hua Hospital, Minglanilla District Hospital, North General Hospital, Perpetual Succour Hospital have also treated one firecracker victim each.
Cebu Provincial Health Office Chief Cynthia Genosolango told The FREEMAN that the victim treated at Minglanilla District Hospital was a child while another child was also treated in Carcar City.
Both children, she said, suffered lacerations and second degree burns in their right hand
And with New Year just a few days away, the Provincial Board once again reminded the public to refrain from purchasing and using prohibited firecrackers.
In a resolution, the body said use of prohibited firecrackers may cause damage to property and even loss of life or limbs. —(FREEMAN)