Private hospitals are prepared for the possible increase in the admission of patients with firecracker-related injuries in light of the New Year celebrations according to a health expert.
Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. (PHAPi) President Dr. Jose Rene De Grano, in a televised interview, said even private hospitals across the Philippines are now on “high alert” for firecracker-related emergencies amid the holiday festivities.
“Hindi basta-basta ang mga injuries ngayon parang lumabas ulit yung mga malalakas na paputok (Injuries like this are not something to be taken lightly, especially now, it seems like the strong fireworks have come out again) ,” said De Grano in an interview over DZBB on Friday, Dec. 30.
Asked why injuries like this should not be disregarded, De Grano answered that firecrackers contain toxic chemicals. Hence, once a firework injures a person, harmful reactions are likely to occur.
“Kung hindi natin ito malalapatan ng lunas o hindi malinis ay posible tayong magkaroon ng impeksyon o matetano – ‘yun ang delikado (If we do not treat or clean it, we can get an infection or get tetanus and that is dangerous),” De Grano added, reiterating that some cases can be fatal.
The danger that fireworks can bring does not stop with these deadly injuries. Even its smoke, according to the health expert, can harm people.
“Isa pa ‘yan, especially sa mga maseselan ang lungs o may asthma. Delikado ‘yan. Very sensitive sila sa mga toxic gas o fumes na inilalabas ng mga firecrackers (That’s another thing, especially for those with sensitive lungs or asthma. That is dangerous. They are very sensitive to toxic gasses or fumes released by firecrackers),” he furthered.
In case of an emergency situation, the health expert advised the public to immediately clean the firecracker-related wound with water and soap. Afterwards, De Grano stressed the need of bringing the patient to the nearest healthcare facility to be treated as soon as possible.