THE Department of Health (DOH) announced that the number of firecracker and fireworks-related injuries recorded nationwide from December 22, 2024, to New Year’s Day 2025 has decreased to 340 cases, a 34% reduction from the 519 cases reported during the same period last year.
Breakdown of Cases
Age groups affected:
239 cases involved individuals aged 19 and below.
101 cases involved those aged 20 and above.
Gender distribution:
299 victims were male.
41 victims were female.
Cause of injuries:
202 injuries were caused by illegal firecrackers, including boga, 5-star, and piccolo.
DOH Advisory: First Aid for Firecracker Injuries
The DOH urged the public to follow these first aid steps in case of firecracker-related injuries:
- For wounds:
Wash with clean water and cover with sterilized gauze or a clean cloth.
Apply pressure to stop bleeding and call emergency hotlines 911 or 1555.
- For eye injuries:
Wash the area with warm water (avoid using ice).
Refrain from touching the affected area and seek immediate medical attention for an anti-tetanus shot.
- For firecracker ingestion:
Swallow raw egg whites (6-8 for children and 8-12 for adults).
Proceed to the nearest hospital immediately.
The DOH continues to remind the public to prioritize safety and avoid using illegal firecrackers to reduce further injuries and safeguard lives.