Good news! The Department of Health (DOH) reported an overall decrease in the number of fireworks-related injuries during this year’s New Year celebrations as compared to last year’s.
What caused the number of fireworks-related injuries to go down?
According to the DOH, 463 cases of fireworks-related injuries were recorded during 2018’s New Year celebrations. Additionally, no cases of fireworks ingestion, stray bullet injuries, or deaths were reported.
The DOH added that 79% of the cases involved men who were aged 11 to 69. 77% of the injuries occurred in the streets while 55% of those who were injured were using fireworks at the time of injury.
Secretary Francisco T. Duque III shares, “We are reminding all those who have incurred some form of injury due to fireworks to please consult your nearest health facility for proper wound care and management.”
He also thanked President Rodrigo Duterte for passing Executive Order no. 28, an order that confines fireworks to community displays.
Firecrackers might seem fun, but they’re the main culprit for a large number of injuries during the New Year.
Source: publicdomainpictures.net
The number of injuries in 2018 is one of the lowest recorded
The reduction in the number of fireworks-related injuries in 2018 is significant since it’s 77% lower than the five-year average from 2012-2016.
Majority of the cases were reported in NCR, followed by Western Visayas. The main culprits for the injuries were the piccolo, followed by kwitis, unknown firecrackers, fountain, and boga.
Source: gmanetwork.com
READ: First-aid guide for moms: How to treat firework injuries