DOH expects 50-80 firecracker injuries every hour

Asec Roland Cortez, EAMC chief (center), shows to media the tools that will be used to treat firecracker related injuries. DOH Usec Janette Garin (right) holds up a bone saw used for amputation. Matikas Santos/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Health (DOH) expects 50 to 80 firecracker- related injuries every hour from the New Year’s Eve revelry.

Health Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag said they are also expecting that the total number of injuries could reach 1000.

“We expect 50 to 80 firecracker related injuries per hour nationwide,” Tayag said in an interview with reporters at the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) Tuesday.

“Do not use firecrackers that can injure you or others around you,” Tayag said.

Asec Roland Cortez, EAMC chief, showed the preparations of the hospital for those who will be injured due to firecrackers.

One of the changes made by EAMC is to connect an operating room directly to the emergency room to treat patients faster.

Cortez also showed to the media the different tools they will be using to treat severe cases of firecracker injuries such as those that require amputation.

“The government hospital’s services may be free but it’s not a good thing to be treated for injured hands, feet, or face even if it’s for free,”  told reporters.

Garin accompanied Tayag in their inspection of the three government hospital Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Tondo Medical Center, and EAMC.