THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) today strongly advises parents and caregivers not to allow children to use firecrackers during the holiday season, especially in welcoming the New Year. DOH reiterates the risks of injuries brought about by unsafe use of fireworks and firecrackers.
“Hanggat maaari, huwag nating bigyan at pagamitin ng paputok ang mga bata. Siguraduhin na hindi mamumulot ng paputok ang mga bata. Ang tetano ay nakamamatay at ito ay nakukuha sa impeksiyon na dulot ng sugat mula sa paputok.” Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin explained.
Even before Christmas, DOH already recorded several firecrackers/fireworks – related injuries around the country. As of December 20, 10 cases were recorded from Ilocos Norte (1), Isabela (1), Nueva Vizcaya (1), Rizal (2), Laguna (3), Iloilo (1), and Davao del Norte (1). Eight (8) out of ten (10) are children, ages ranging from 5- 12 years old. Most of the causes of the injuries are: Piccolo (8) and whistle bomb (2), both firecrackers declared prohibited in the country.
“Every year, despite the call and appeal to the parents intended to protect children from fireworks injuries, the profile of cases remain the same, that’s why we are calling the cooperation of Local Government Units (LGUs) and Philippine National Police (PNP) if not to ban the selling or use of firecrackers in the community, at least foster community fireworks display in order to control the use of fireworks and firecrackers.” Garin commented.
In case of an injury due to firecrackers, DOH advises that the wounds must be immediately washed with clean running water until all visible dirt and gunpowder residue is removed. The patient must immediately be rushed to the nearest health facility for proper medical attention.
DOH ensures that all DOH Hospitals are prepared to attend to injuries related to fireworks/firecrackers. Starting today, December 21, all DOH retained hospitals, regional offices and facilities nationwide are placed in a “Code White Alert”. The “Code White Alert” level puts all hospital personnel on standby for deployment and augmentation as the need arises for additional medical and other services.
“Imagine the rest of a child’s life without hands, arms, legs, or injured body parts after losing them to fireworks or firecrackers. Not only will their self-esteem be diminished, but also their productivity at school. Ang tetano ay nakamamatay, huwag pasaway, sa paputok may goodbye.” Garin concluded. # Source – www.doh.gov.ph
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