FILE PHOTO: A firecracker and fireworks store in Dulag, Leyte, in this undated photo. – The Department of Health (DOH) said 26 more people were injured due to firecrackers on Thursday, December 26, 2024. (Photo from PNP Region 8)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) said 26 more people were injured due to firecrackers on Thursday, December 26.
The new count raised the total firecracker-related injuries this month to 69, the agency noted.
Of the sum, 58 victims were aged 19 and below while 11 were aged 20 and above. Sixty-five of them were males while four were females, the DOH added.
Fifty-one individuals were injured while actively using firecrackers, while the wounds of 59 out of the 69 victims were caused by illegal firecrackers, particularly “boga” or a homemade cannon.
READ: DOH: Injuries from illegal firecrackers up this 2024
The DOH said the figures were gathered from their sentinel sites, or hospitals designated to monitor health-related emergencies, from December 22 to 6 a.m. on December 26.
The DOH cautioned the public anew against using firecrackers, noting that its effects include:
- Death or serious injuries
- Amputation of finger, hands, or other parts of the body
- Blindness or eye irritation
- Deafness caused by loudness of explosion of firecrackers
- Permanent respiratory illness due to lead, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide
- Poisoning from consumption of any parts of firecrackers
- Skin burns that can cause permanent scars and damage in the body
READ: Firecracker victims are mostly children, says DOH
The DOH previously 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