In its Fireworks-Related Injury Surveillance 2022 Report No. 10, the DOH said 11 additional injuries were reported over the past 24 hours to raise the total to 52, as of 6 a.m. of December 31.
“As of 6 a.m. of December 31, 2022, a total of 52
fireworks-related injuries were reported. These were 30 percent higher compared to 2021 (40 cases),” said the DOH.
The top three causes of injuries are boga with 18; 5-star with seven; and super lolo with six, all of which are considered as illegal firecrackers.
Eye injuries were the most common cases with 23; followed by hands with 16; head with seven; and forearm/arm with five.
Thirty-three of the 52 injuries, according to the DOH, involved active cases or those that actually used the firecrackers.
A total of 31 injuries occurred at home, 20 happened in
the streets and one took place on a farm.
Western Visayas and the National Capital Region had the most cases with 11 each; followed by Bicol Region with five.
On the other hand, the DOH said there was no reported case of fireworks ingestion.
There were no reported cases of stray bullet injuries, the DOH said.
Final reminders
With cases expected to surge during the New Year’s celebration Saturday, the DOH is reminding everybody to not disregard the injuries caused by firecrackers.
This, according to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, means that firecracker-related injuries must be given proper medical attention, including anti-tetanus shots.
“The most important thing when sustaining such injuries is to be given anti-tetanus injection. So we advise the public to head to any primary care facility for this anti-tetanus shots. This is being given to us free by the government,” said Vergeire.
As for first aid, she said severe cases are those that are bleeding profusely.
“For severe cases, the injured areas must be wrapped in clean cloth and immediately brought to the hospitals. There shouldn’t be any delays,” said Vergeire.
As for minor injuries, the health official said they are those that are small wounds or burns.
“In such cases, the affected sites should be washed with water and soap, and then undergo observation,” said Vergeire.
The DOH earlier said all hospitals have been placed under Code White Alert, where all facilities, resources and medical personnel are prepared to respond. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)