17 of 21 firecracker injuries caused by piccolo—DOH

The list of patients brought to the EAMC due to firecracker related injuries as of 8pm on New Year’s Eve. Matikas Santos/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The infamous piccolo firecracker has injured 17 of the 21 people brought to the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) for firecracker-related injuries on New Year’s Eve.

Thirteen of those injured by piccolo were children mostly aged 10 to 12 years.

As of 8 p.m., there were no reports of injuries caused by stray bullets in the hospital.

Health Assistant secretary Eric Tayag inspected the preparations of the public hospital Tuesday evening and called on the public anew to not use firecrackers in welcoming the New Year.

A nine-year-old boy from Holy Spirit, Quezon City is among those
injured by the infamous piccolo firecrcker on New Year’s Eve. MATIKAS SANTOS/INQUIRER.net

“We expect 50 to 80 firecracker related injuries per hour nationwide,” Tayag told reporters.

He said that those who use firecrackers pose a danger not only to themselves but also to innocent bystanders.

EAMC Chief Asec Roland Cortez showed to the media the tools they will use, such as a bone saw, to perform amputations in cases of severe injuries from firecrackers.

He also showed the operating room that is now directly connected to the emergency room to make treatment of patients faster.

Cortez assured that the hospital was prepared and ready for the expected deluge of victims of firecrackers.