OZAMIZ
CITY: Firework-related injuries last New Year’s eve were few in families’
homes, and organized public firework displays in some communities, reports the
health department.
As
of Jan. 1, DOH’s National Epidemiology Center reported a total of 351
fireworks-related injuries. Of these, 346 were due to firework injuries, two from
firework ingestion, and three from stray bullet.
Most
of the injuries came from the National Capital Region, followed by Manila, Pasig,
Quezon City, Navotas, and Caloocan.
The
234 cases got injured because they handled the firecrackers themselves, and 112
were bystanders, or “nahagisan lang.”
The
351 cases this year was lower by 160 than the previous five-year (2009-2013)
annual average, or an average of 511 injuries per year for that period, DOH
said.
Acting
DOH Sec. Janette Loreto-Garin expressed that they are encouraged with seeing
more Filipinos heeding the call of its campaign against firecrackers.
After
the New Year revelry, health authorities warned on picking up unexploded
firecrackers, and underscoring once again the responsibility of parents and
adults to children.
Because
of PNP’s “OPLAN Piccolo,” injuries was reduced from however, piccolo still
accounted for most causes of injuries. The other fireworks that caused the most
injuries were Kwitis, Luces, and Five-Star.
Garin
extended DOH’s gratitude for the support of other national agencies, the local
government, and the media during the anti-firecracker campaigns.
The
work continues now as the health campaign shifts to prevention of tetanus among
the injured, which are advised to get their tetanus shots in hospitals right
away.