DOH Eastern Visayas Revives Campaign vs Firecrackers Use

Palo, Leyte (PNA) -– The Department of Health (DOH) in Eastern Visayas is stepping up its campaign to prevent firecracker related injuries during Christmas and New Year revelries.

DOH Regional Director Minerva P. Molon said they are bringing the “Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction” campaign to schools since most victims are school children.

“We will advocate in schools that children won’t buy firecrackers. It’s easy to educate children through classes,” Molon told reporters.

From December 2014 to early January 2015, the region recorded 70 firecracker-related injuries with most victims are children.

Although the campaign is to bring down the number of cases to zero, the DOH regional office is also beefing up their preparations to treat victims.

At least 50,000 anti-tetanus and antibiotics have been preposition for use during emergencies. The health department also conducts inventory of current stocks of medicines needed this month.

“We will coordinate with other government agencies to respond to emergencies. We are on code white alert this month, which means that all health workers are on call,” Molon added.

The DOH reminded the public that use of firecrackers is dangerous, firecrackers are hazardous to children, avoid people who are using firecrackers, not to pick up and use busted firecrackers, and go to nearest hospital in case of accidents.

Among the direct negative health effects of misuse of fireworks and firecrackers are blast or burns with or without amputation, eye injury that might lead to blindness, tetanus, poisoning, and death.

The health department encouraged the public to use alternative and safer means to celebrate Christmas and New Year. (PNA) FFC/SQM