Firecrackers strike 48 victims

WITH less than a week before the New Year’s Eve revelry, a total of 48 individuals have already been injured by firecrackers or pyrotechnics, based on the latest report of the Department of Health (DOH).

Based on the Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction 2016 Report No. 5, a total of 48 injuries caused by firecrackers and fireworks have already been reported from December 21 to 6 a.m. of December 26.

“This is 47 cases lower than the same period as last year, which is at 95,” said the DOH report.

Of the 48 cases, a total of 47 injuries were caused by firecrackers while the other one was an incident of firework ingestion.

There were neither stray bullet incidents nor firecracker-related deaths that have been reported by any of the DOH sentinel hospit al s.

Almost half or 23 of the 47 firecracker-related injuries were caused by Piccolo; followed by five each from Boga and Whistle Bomb. All three are considered as illegal firecrackers.

More than half of the injuries were inflicted in the hands at 27 (57 percent); followed by eye injuries with 13 (28 percent); and arm injuries with 5 (11 percent).

The report also showed that a clear majority of those injured involved active users with 36 (77%).

In addition, the DOH report also showed that 34 of the victims involved children that are less than 15 years old with the median age of all victims standing at 11 years old.

Majority of the injuries were reported in Metro Manila with 25; followed by the six from Western Visayas; and five each from Calabarzon and Ilocos Region. (HDT/ Sunnex)