Firecracker victims are mostly children, says DOH

Firecrackers. – Firecracker victims during the holiday season are mostly children, according to the Department of Health (DOH) urging the public to choose a safer way to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Firecracker victims during the holiday season are mostly children, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Tuesday.

It noted that 20 in 25 firecracker victims are aged 19 and below. It added that 23 of the 25 were males. The DOH said these numbers were gathered from their sentinel sites, or hospitals designated to monitor health-related emergencies, from December 22 to 6 a.m. on December 24.

The DOH urged the public to choose a safer way to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year.

READ: DOH logs 17 firework-related injuries ahead of New Year

“Pinapaalalahanan ng Department of Health (DOH) [ang publiko] na salubungin ang Pasko at Bagong Taon nang ligtas at malusog,” the DOH said in a statement Tuesday.

(The DOH reminds the public to celebrate Christmas and New Year safely and healthily.)

“Karamihan sa biktima ng paputok ay mga bata,” it added.

(Most of the victims are children.)

READ: DOH reminds Filipinos to spend Christmas season healthily

The DOH issued the following tips to avoid firecracker injuries or problems this season:

• Do not use firecrackers
• Report users or sellers of illegal firecrackers
• Do not pick up or light firecrackers scattered on the streets
• Keep children away from poison and gunpowder products such as small firecrackers, which they can ingest
• Use alternative noise sources such as drums, pots, or do karaoke with family and friends
• Supervise children and other young people to avoid using firecrackers
• Watch a community fireworks display from your LGU
• Be prepared and make sure to have a first aid kit in case of firework injuries
• Immediately call 911 or 1555 in cases of emergency