As of Christmas day, the Department of Health (DOH) has recorded a total of 25 firework injuries. Five more than the number of reported injuries during the same time last year.
A majority of the cases were reported in the Bicol region with a total of nine cases. The Davao Region and National Capital Region NCR) have both recorded six injuries each.
Ilocos, Calabarzon, Western Visayas and the Cordillera Administrative Region all have one case each.
A total of 24 of these 25 victims were males aged six to 44.
CNN reports that 98% were "active igniters or those who have been using fireworks in the past". And 92% of these were hand injuries.
‘Code White Alert’
The DOH has placed all of its affiliated hospitals, offices and facilities nationwide under Code White Alert.
This means that all personnel should be on standby for immediate and proper response.The first three victims of fireworks-related injuries this year are all children.
The DOH also advised all parents and guardians to be vigilant, not allowing their children to handle firecrackers or fireworks.
DOH Secretary Janette Garin said in a statement, “Imagine the rest of a child’s life without hands, arms, legs, or injured body parts after losing them to fireworks or firecrackers. Not only will their self-esteem be diminished, but also their productivity at school."
All victims of firework-related injuries are to be provided with anti-tetanus shots which, according to the DOH, is "the best protective means to avoid serious complications, aside from immediately washing the wounds with clean running water".
An illegal firecracker called “piccolo” remains to be the highest cause of the injuries.
DOH urges the public to 'shun fireworks'
Aside from reporting the number of injuries, the DOH also emphasized the need to do away with all types of firecrackers. The pubic can celebrate using safer noise-making alternatives.
Health Secretary Garin suggests, “Instead of firecrackers, the public is encouraged to use safe merry-making instruments and alternative noise-makers such as ‘torotot’, car horns, or by playing loud music. Also, local government units are encouraged to hold community fireworks display.”
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