9 more fireworks-related injuries reported before New Year's Eve

MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday reported nine more fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) in Central Luzon, Ilocos, Western Visayas, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas and Zamboanga Peninsula.

The FWRIs were recorded by 60 sentinel hospitals from 6 a.m. on Sunday until 5:59 a.m. on Monday. Six cases were recorded in Western Visayas while the rest of the regions had one case each. Only one of the nine cases was reported late.

They involved males aged between 2 and 69, who played with fireworks banned by the government. They were given antibiotics, among others and were sent home.

The health department began its fireworks-related injuries surveillance on Dec. 21.

To date, there are a total of 55 FWRIs recorded. The figure includes the reported two cases of fireworks’ ingestion.

Twenty-seven out of the total FWRIs happened on the streets; 25 took place at home, while the remaining three occurred in other places.

Thirty-two cases suffered from blast or burn without amputation, while five suffered from blasts resulting in amputation. The remaining 19 cases suffered from eye injuries.

The DOH said the current FWRI statistics is 50 percent less than in the same period last year and 75 percent lower than the five-year average.

Under Executive Order No. 28, the use of firecrackers shall be confined to community fireworks display areas to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties.

The DOH also warned the public against illegal fireworks, such as Watusi, Piccolo, Atomic Triangle, large Judas BVelt, large Bawang, Pillbox, Boga, Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, Mother Rockets, Lolo Thunder, Coke-in-can, Kwitom, Atomic Bomb, Five Star, Pla-pla, giant Whistle Bomb, Kabasi, and other unlabeled and imported firecrackers.

Among the banned fireworks, Boga caused the highest number of injuries, followed by Kwitis, Piccolo, Triangle, Baby Rocket, Bawang, Camara and Luces. (PNA)

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http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057743
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