File photo from Agence France-Presse
MANILA, Philippines — The number of firecracker-related injuries monitored nationwide from December 22, 2024 to January 2, 2025 this year has climbed to 534, according to the Department of Health (DOH).
In a report released on Thursday, the DOH said this figure is 9.8 percent lower compared to the 592 cases monitored during the same period last year.
Three hundred twenty two of the are aged 19 and below, while 212 others are aged 20 and up.
A total of 443 victims are male and 91 female.
Based on Tuesday data from the DOH, most of the injuries were caused by illegal firecrackers such as kwitis, boga, 5-star, and whistle bomb.
Even after the New Year’s Day celebration, the DOH reminded the public to wash their firecracker-related wounds and cover them with sterilized gauze, bandage, or clean cloth, apply pressure on the wound to stop bleeding and call 911 or 1555 for assistance.
For those who suffered injuries near their eyes, the DOH told them to wash the affected area with warm water and not ice, avoid touching the affected part, and go to the nearest hospital for an anti-tetanus shot.
Those who accidentally swallowed firecrackers should take at least six raw egg whites (six to eight pieces for children and eight to 12 for adults) before going to the nearest hospital.