THE Department of Health (DOH) announced that from December 22 to New Year’s Day, 340 firecracker- and fireworks-related injuries were recorded nationwide. This marks a 34% decline compared to the 519 cases reported during the same period last year.
Of the 340 cases, 239 involved individuals aged 19 years and below, while 101 were adults aged 20 and above. Most of the victims (299) were men, with only 41 cases involving women.
Illegal firecrackers, such as boga, 5-star, and piccolo, accounted for 202 of the reported injuries.
DOH First Aid Recommendations
The DOH urged the public to observe the following first aid measures for firecracker-related injuries:
Wash wounds with clean water and cover them with sterilized gauze or cloth.
Apply pressure to stop bleeding and call emergency hotlines (911 or 1555).
For eye injuries, rinse the area with warm water and seek immediate medical attention.
For accidental ingestion of firecrackers, take raw egg whites (6–8 for children, 8–12 for adults) and proceed to the nearest hospital.
The DOH continues to remind the public of the dangers associated with illegal firecrackers and encourages safer ways to celebrate the New Year.