BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health-Center for Health Development-Cordillera continue to remind the public to prioritize health and safety this holiday season as it already recorded eight fireworks related injuries (FWRI) days before the New Year revelry.
As of December 27, DOH-CAR already recorded eight FWRI in the Cordillera region. All cases are males and are under 17 years old with a seven-year-old as the youngest victim.
Baguio City recorded the most number of FWRI cases with four while two cases each from Mountain Province and Kalinga.
The use of the illegal fireworks “boga” caused most of the FWRI including the three victims who sustained eye injury and the three other cases who had blast and burn injuries although without amputation.
Boga has caused the numerous injuries and even fatalities in the past, making its use, possession, and sale punishable under Republic Act No. 7183 or An Act Regulating the Sale, Manufacture, Distribution, and Use of Firecrackers and Other Pyrotechnic Devices and other relevant ordinances.
The most affected victim is a 10-year-old male, a passive user from Baguio City who sustained burn injury in the 15percent total body surface area involving the abdomen, right and left thigh, and forearm due to “boga.” He is currently admitted at the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC).
The youngest case is a seven-year-old male, a passive user from Baguio City who sustained a chemical injury in the left eye due to boga on Christmas Eve. Two other cases used 5-star or “labintador”.
A nine-year-old boy sustained blast injury on his right thumb and was admitted at the BGHMC, while a 17-year-old boy from Sagada, Mountain Province sustained blast and burn injury with amputation on the second digit right hand, multiple abrasions in the face and neck area and admitted at the St. Theodore of Tarsus Hospital Foundation in Sagada.
The DOH-CAR again reminds the public not use firecrackers and prioritize safety at all times.
The public especially children are strongly advised not pick up unexploded fireworks with their hands; instead, carefully transfer the unexploded fireworks using a broom and dustpan or any similar tool to a bucket of water.
In the event of a firework-related injury, victims should seek immediate medical attention, as it may lead to complications arising from tetanus and other infections.
The DOH-CAR is also promoting a healthy and safe celebration of the holiday season through its “Ligtas Christmas 2024” campaign which promotes a healthy lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise, and discipline. It also emphasizes road safety and encourages safer alternatives to fireworks such as organized displays and noisemakers like “torotot,” blowing of horn, drums, and light sticks.
The public is also encouraged to attend in community fireworks display designated by local government units and operated by a certified pyrotechnicians. (RMC -PIA CAR)
