Over 300 cases of firecracker-related injuries and road traffic incidents have been monitored by the Department of Health (DOH) during this holiday season.
As of Friday, Dec. 27, DOH monitoring showed there are 101 cases of firecracker-related injuries and 284 road traffic incident cases.
DOH, together with its partners, launched the “Ligtas Christmas sa Bagong Pilipinas” campaign this month to promote safe and healthy celebrations during the holiday season.
“Ligtas Christmas” includes three sub-campaigns: “Tamang Pagkain, Ehersisyo,” which encourages balanced, varied diets and moderation to prevent diseases like diabetes and hypertension, while promoting physical activity and the avoidance of alcohol and tobacco; “BiyaHealthy Ngayong Pasko,” which emphasizes that road safety is a shared responsibility; and “Iwas Paputok,” which advocates for safe alternatives to fireworks and preparation for potential accidents.
Firecracker injuries
Data from DOH showed there were 32 new cases of firecracker-related injuries as of Dec. 27, based on the monitoring of 62 sentinel sites.
This brings the total number of firecracker-related injuries to 101.
DOH noted that this is, however, lower compared to last year, which had 75 cases.
Of the 101 cases, DOH said that 82 of the victims were 19 years old or younger. There were 92 male victims and nine females.
DOH noted that 80 cases, or 79 percent, were caused by illegal firecrackers such as boga, 5-star, and piccolo. Of these, 65 cases (64 percent) involved active users of the firecrackers.
Do not use firecrackers
DOH emphasized that the number of young people and minors using or becoming victims of firecrackers remains high.
With this, DOH reiterated the harmful effects of firecrackers, including death due to severe fireworks-related injuries, loss of fingers, hands, or other body parts, blindness from wounds or severe irritation in the eyes, and hearing loss caused by the loud explosion of firecrackers.
DOH also stated that using firecrackers may lead to permanent lung damage and harm to other organs due to exposure to lead, sulfur dioxide, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide.
Individuals may also suffer from poisoning from eating or swallowing firecrackers or any of their parts, as well as burns or skin injuries that may cause permanent scars or body damage.
DOH reminded parents to watch over their children and prevent them from using firecrackers—especially Boga, 5-Star, and Piccolo—which are the “main causes” of firecracker accidents.
Road traffic incidents
DOH has also been monitoring road traffic incidents in eight pilot areas.
As of Dec. 27, DOH reported a total of 284 road traffic incident cases. This is nine percent higher compared to last year.
Of this number, 53 cases involved alcohol consumption, 249 cases involved individuals not using safety accessories, and 196 cases were related to motorcycles.
DOH advised drivers to ensure they are not fatigued, have not consumed alcohol, wear helmets, follow speed limits, and avoid distractions such as mobile phones.
Most of those involved in road traffic injuries this holiday season, DOH said, were not wearing safety accessories like helmets and seatbelts.