DOH logs 25 fireworks-related injuries as of Christmas Eve 2024

‘IWAS PAPUTOXIC’. Students of Gen. Vicente Lim Elementary School in Tondo, Manila join the launch of “Iwas Paputoxic” on Monday (Dec. 16, 2024). The EcoWaste Coalition campaigns yearly against the use of injurious and polluting firecrackers and fireworks to usher in the new year, emphasizing the need to embrace a safer and cleaner celebration that will not harm either public health or the environment. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)

By Brian Campued

The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday reported 25 fireworks-related injuries (FWRIs) recorded by 62 sentinel hospitals from Dec. 22 to 6:00 a.m. of Dec. 24.

In an advisory, the DOH said eight new cases were logged on Tuesday—lower than the 12 FWRIs registered during Christmas Eve of last year.

Of the 25 cases, 23 were males and two were females. Based on age brackets, 20 were 19 years old and below while five were over 20 years old.

The DOH, likewise, urged the public not to light firecrackers as well as pick up unexploded ones and to just use alternative noisemakers—such as playing loud music, blowing horns, or clamping pots—to ring in the New Year.

“Ilayo sa mga bata ang mga produktong may lason at pulbura gaya ng mga maliliit na paputok (watusi) dahil maaari nila itong maisubo,” the agency also reminded.

In the case of injuries, the DOH advised the public to contact the emergency hotline 911 and 1555.

“Disiplina ay kailangan para masaya at Ligtas Christmas sa Bagong Pilipinas!” the agency said.

-iro

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