Real or not, the photo shows how deadly firecrackers are. Government is calling on the public to opt for safe and healthy ways to celebrate new year.
Christmas
Day has come and passed, and as of today the Department of Health
recorded 113 cases of fireworks-related injuries. While 86 cases
(43%) lower compared to the same period last year, DOH still finds
the trend unacceptable, especially on cases where injuries resulted
to permanent consequences.
“Ang
BAWAT ISANG buhay ay mahalaga,”
acting health secretary Janette Loreto-Garin stressed. The lower
number of cases only encourages DOH to intensify its campaign to stop
the use of firecrackers in merry-making to welcome the New Year.
Of
the 112 cases, 96 (86%) were males aged three to 68 years old. DOH is
still disheartened that 39 cases (35%) were children less than ten
years old. Majority or 75 cases (67%) were caused by piccolo,
a very dangerous and illegal firecracker.
One
case of firework ingestion has now been recorded, and involved a five
year old male, who mistook luces
for candy.
Of
the reported cases, 87 were blast wounds, and six required
amputation. Sixteen cases had eye injuries. Parents and adults are
once again being called to be even more vigilant in protecting
children from using and being endangered by firecrackers. Children
should be kept away from firecrackers, prevented from buying them,
and sternly educated on their dangers.
In
an earlier statement, DOH asked parents: “Imagine the rest of a
child’s life without hands, arms, legs, or injured body parts after
losing them to fireworks… Not only is self-esteem drastically
diminished, productivity at school will also be greatly affected.”
To
help the public be constantly reminded of life-time consequences of
firecracker injuries, the DOH rallied for the support of other
Government agencies on its advocacy campaign “Mahalaga
ang Buhay, Iwasan ang Paputok.”
Immediately, the managements of Department of Transportation and
Communication, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Philippine Ports
Authority, Philippine National Railways, Light Railway Transit
Authority, and Philippine Information Agency have committed their
participation in the campaign.
Mayors
and Governors are also being called to join in the campaign to
eliminate firecracker injuries. DOH supports the growing public
clamor for local governments to order firecracker bans. As in
previous years, most cases to date come from the National Capital
Region then followed by regions 10, 11 and 6. In the NCR, cases came
from Manila, Pasig, Las Pinas and Pasay.
Every
Filipino citizen can be part of the anti-firecracker advocacy. The
public is encouraged to share the Iwas
Paputok
video now posted on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and
YouTube.
In
addition to the information drive, all health personnel in DOH
offices, hospitals and medical centers are on Code White alert –
they are on standby for the duration of the holiday season, prepared
to provide assistance in treating victims of firecrackers.
To
the families unfortunate to experience firecracker injuries of loved
ones, quick and decisive action will be most necessary. Injured
family members should have their wounds cleaned with water and
protected by sterile gauze bandages, and then immediately brought to
hospitals for proper treatment. Medical personnel will do the
necessary treatment of wounds, give anti-tetanus shots and
antibiotics.
27 December 2014
Below are the names and contact numbers of resource persons for Iwas Paputok
and spending healthy holidays:
Dr. Lyndon
Lee Suy, Official DOH Spokesperson, 0917 852 7880
Asst
Secretary Gerardo Bayugo (DOH Executive), 0908 868 6312
Asst
Secretary Bernardita Flores (National Nutrition Council), Office
Line: 02 892 4721
Dr. Israel Francis Pargas (PhilHealth, OIC VP-Corporate
Affairs), Office Line: 02 638 1682
Dr. Minguita Padilla (Private Consultant and Eye Expert),
0917 513 1840
