By Jerick James Pasiliao | Philippine News Agency
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has already recorded four firecracker-related injuries, a week before the New Year revelry.
In a radio interview on Monday, PHO chief Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman said the injuries were recorded from December 23 to 25.
She said one of the victims is a 7-year-old child who played “kwitis”, two were injured after using “boga”, and the other one used “5-star”.
De Guzman said the victims were from Bayambang and Manaoag towns, and cities of San Carlos and Dagupan.
“Ang mga biktima ay nagtamo ng blast injuries sa kamay, forearm at leeg pero walang amputation. Sa ngayon ay wala pa tayong biktima ng stray bullet,” she added.
PHO’s data showed that the number is higher compared to the three injuries which were recorded last year in the same period.
Meanwhile, the PHO has already issued a memorandum to the 14 provincial government-run hospitals to intensify their preparedness for the New Year’s Eve celebration.
“Nagbigay na tayo ng direktiba sa mga ospital na ihanda na nila ang kanilang mga kagamitan tulad ng pagsiguro ng sapat na suplay ng anti-tetanus, itlog, at iba pa na maaaring gamitin sa paggamot sa mga mapuputukan,” she said.
De Guzman said all provincial hospitals are now under Code White alert status until December 30, adding that Code Red alert status will be put in place from December 31 to Jan. 1, 2022.
She said Code White means all human resources for health are on call anytime even during the day off of hospital personnel. They will help complement the response to emergency cases.
“Under Code Red, all personnel should be on duty in key areas like the emergency room, operating room if in case there will be amputations. There should also be internists and emergency health teams,” she added.
De Guzman urged the public to use alternative noisemakers, such as karaoke and organizing fireworks displays in an open area, rather than using firecrackers.
Among the banned firecrackers are piccolo, super lolo, atomic triangle, large Judas belt, large bawang, pillbox, boga, goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, mother rocket, lolo thunder, Coke in can, atomic bomb, 5-Star, pla-pla, giant whistle bomb, kabasi, and watusi.
Meanwhile, aside from firecracker-related injuries, De Guzman also reminded the public to drink moderately and avoid driving under the influence of liquor to prevent vehicular accidents. (PNA)-rir
