By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) on Friday reported 32 more fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) in various regions, bringing the overall tally to 101 from Dec. 22 to 6 a.m. of Dec. 27.
In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, DOH Assistant Secretary and Spokesperson Albert Domingo said the top three regions with the most number of FWRIs are the National Capital Region, Central Luzon and Cagayan Valley.
“Top four is Western Visayas, and then top five, two regions are tied – Ilocos and our Central Visayas,” he said.
He noted that the FWRIs were generally caused by illegal firecrackers – boga, five star and piccolo – which accounts for eight in every 10 cases.
“Pati iyong kuwitis pumasok na rin – kahit legal siya, siya rin ay nagiging top four na dahilan ng ating mga fireworks injuries (While kwitis is legal, it has become the fourth top cause of fireworks injuries),” he said.
Of the 101 cases, 80 or 79 percent were caused by illegal fireworks. About 65 or 64 percent were active users of firecrackers or they lit the firecrackers themselves.
Ninety-two were males and nine were females. Eighty-two were ages 19 and below while the 19 are ages 20 and above.
“Nasa mga lima – 5 percent kasi eh, 101 na tayo, nasa 5 percent iyong nagkaroon na ng amputation o iyong naputulan ng bahagi ng katawan dahil sa paputok (There are five – because it’s 5 percent , we’re already 101, it’s at 5 percent, those that had amputation or had parts of their bodies removed due to firecrackers),” Domingo said.
Among the FWRIs, the most affected body parts are the eyes, hands, head, calf, leg, and arm, he noted.
In case of injury, Domingo advised that first aid may be performed before going to the hospital for proper treatment and tetanus shot.
He said pressure must be applied on bleeding wounds to avoid blood loss.
Non-bleeding wounds may be cleaned immediately with soap and running water. Nonetheless, victims must go to the hospital for proper treatment.
“Kung mayroon pong bahagi ng katawan na kumalas at nahulog sa paligid-ligid, kunin po ito – ilagay sa malinis na plastic, selyuhan, balutin ng isang manipis na tuwalya at saka lagyan ng yelo (If a body part got lose and fell on the ground, get it – place in a thin plastic [bag], seal it, cover it with thin towel, and add some ice,” Domingo said.
Placing the body part directly into a bag of ice may cause damage or problems, he added. (PNA)
