DOH: Firecracker-related Injuries Breaches 100

The Department of Health has noted an increase of firecracker-related injuries few days before the New Year, with 170 cases recorded as of 6 am Saturday. The department also observed that the number of firecracker users has increased by eight percent this year compared to 2012, Gma News Online reported.

National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Enrique Tayag said that 101 or 62 percent of the 170 cases of firecracker-related injuries were caused by piccolo.

Reports said DOH has recorded one case of firecracker ingestion and five people injured by stray bullets. The DOH received reports pointing firecrackers are being sold near a police station in Pasay City, where Tayag, in his tweeter, reportedly urged the Philippine National Police to intensify its crackdown on piccolo and other banned fireworks.

In Cebu City, a 14-year old boy had his right hand amputated after it was blasted off by a firecracker named Yolanda. Authorities said he is the first seriously injured victim of this year’s pyrotechnic celebration.

Gma News Online reported Tayag, through his tweeter, said there are two cases of amputations due to fireworks injuries: one in Cebu City and another one in Ilo-ilo.

Tayag also added that a 5-year old boy from Ilo-ilo had his right index finger amputated after using a camara or small dynamite.

In Manila, the barangays with high number of reported cases include District 2 Barangay 147-267 East Tondo, District 1 Barangay 1-146 West Tondo, District 3 Barangay 268-394, Binondo, Quiapo, San Nicolas and Sta. Cruz. The DOH’s 2010-2012 report on firecracker-related injuries, barangays in Quezon City with high number of cases include Batasan Hills, Commonwealth, Holy Spirit, Payatas, Sto. Domingo and Krus na Ligas, Gma News Online reported.

Malacañang persuaded the public to heed the warnings issued by the DOH against the use of firecrackers, particularly of children.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, in a statement, reiterated Health secretary Enrique Ona’s advice not to allow children to use firecrackers.

“We urge parents and guardians to promote the use of alternative noisemakers, such as toy trumpets and sound systems,” Valte said.
Source: Gma News Online