The Department of Health (DOH) reported a total of 25 firecracker-related injuries as of 6 a.m. of December 27, 2022.
“The cumulative number of cases for 2022 (25 cases) is 14 percent higher than in 2021 (22 cases),” the latest DOH Fireworks-Related Injury Surveillance 2022 report stated.
Boga caused the most injuries with eight cases; whistle bomb with four; kwitis with three; and 5-star and unknown firecrackers with two each.
Eye injuries were the most common cases with 13; followed by hands with eight; arms/forearms with three; and back with one.
Sixteen of the 25 injuries, according to the DOH, involved active cases, or those that actually used the firecrackers.
Western Visayas had the most cases with five, followed by Bicol Region, Central Visayas, and Soccsksargen with three each, and Ilocos Region, Mimaropa, Davao Region, and National Capital Region with two each.
Eighteen injuries occurred at home, while seven occurred on the streets.
The DOH said there was no reported case of fireworks ingestion.
There were also no reported cases of stray bullet injuries.
The health department said it has raised the Code White Alert in all government hospitals in preparation for the New Year revelry.
In a press conference Tuesday, December 27, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said all government hospitals are already prepared for the possible surge in fireworks-related injuries as the New Year’s Eve draws closer.
“Once placed under Code White Alert, it means that our facilities and all our personnel are advised to prepare our responses,” said Vergeire.
“All our hospitals are prepared 100 percent. Should any injuries occur, our hospitals will be ready to handle them,” she added.
In the Philippines, New Year’s Eve is traditionally marked by Filipinos lighting fireworks and firecrackers, and making a lot of noise supposedly to drive away evil spirits. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)