THE Department of Health (DOH) is considering a ban on individual use of fireworks/firecrackers if injuries continue to rise during the holiday season despite its all-out efforts.
From 21-26 December, there were a total of 72 fireworks-related injuries. Of this number, 71 were due to fireworks and one stray bullet case. The number of cases is 33% lower compared to the same period last year. There were no deaths reported.
Last year for the same period, there were 108 fireworks-related injuries: 99 from fireworks, 8 from stray bullets, and 1 from firecracker ingestion.
Most of the cases came from the National Capital Region (20), Western Viasayas (12), and Cagayan Valley (6). CALABARZON, Central Visayas, and Zamboanga Peninsula had 5 cases each.
Majority (86%) of the cases were males. Ages of the cases ranged from nine months to 58 years. About 39% (28 cases) were children less than 10 years old. Most (59%) were active users of fireworks.
Majority (73%) of victims sustained blast injuries not requiring amputation, 20% (14) had eye injuries and 4% (3) were blasts requiring amputation.
Health Secretary Enrique Ona noted that most cases happen during Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. He appealed to parents and caregivers to be vigilant on said dates and prevent them from playing/using firecrackers in their merrymaking activities.
The health chief also revealed that the DOH might consider a ban on the individual use of fireworks/firecrackers while it continues to push for a community display of fireworks to significantly bring down the number of casualties.
This means that LGUs should identify safe areas for community fireworks display and that with the imposition of the ban, only certain accredited organizations will be allowed to purchase these fireworks. This will further encourage development of legitimate firework manufacturers while discouraging fly-by-night manufacturers. (DoH)
