DOH: Firecracker-related injuries rise to 163

A man injured by a firecracker arrives at the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center in Manila early on January 1, 2013, after New Year’s celebrations. AFP PHOTO / NOEL CELIS (Photo by NOEL CELIS / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The number of firecracker-related injuries reached 163 a day before the New Year celebrations, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The DOH on Monday said it monitored the figure from December 22 to 30 this year.

According to the agency’s report, the number of people injured this year is 44 percent higher than the figure recorded in 2023, which was 113.

READ: DOH records 142 firecracker-related injuries days before New Year

In line with this, the DOH advised the public to wash their firecracker-related wounds, cover them with sterilized gauze bandages or clean cloth, put pressure on the wound to stop bleeding, and call 911 or 1555 for assistance.

For those who suffered injuries near their eyes, the DOH said they should wash their eyes with warm water, avoid touching the affected part, and go to the nearest hospital for an anti-tetanus shot.

Moreover, those who accidentally swallowed firecrackers should eat uncooked egg whites (six to eight pieces for children and eight to 12 for adults) before going to the nearest hospital.