New Year revelers urged to avoid firecrackers
LINGAYEN—It’s already the time of the year when the machos and the unsuspecting kids tempt their fate by lighting up bigger, louder and more dangerous firecrackers.
And the Provincial Health Office (PHO) is already gearing itself for the task of cutting off burnt fingers to save victims from further infection.
Noting previous years’ statistics showing an increase in the injuries involving firecrackers, PHO has launched “Aksyon Paputok Injury Reduction Campaign” earlier than usual.
PHO chief Dr. Anna De Guzman said the campaign hopes to bring home the message “Mahalaga ang Buhay, Iwasan ang Paputok.”
But before the government can even call attention to the campaign, two cases of firecracker-related injuries were already recorded.
An eight-year-old boy from Urdaneta City suffered abrasion in his right hand while a nine-year-old boy in Alaminos City suffered contusion and superficial lacerations.
Both were caused by lighting ‘piccolo,’ an illegal firecracker.
In 2012-2013, 172 injuries due to firecrackers were listed and 196 or with 12% increase in 2013-2014.
De Guzman said the 14 provincial hospitals are already prepared with the trained staff, medicines and equipment in emergency rooms.
Meanwhile, PHO health emergency responders have already been stationed by the Lingayen beach since Dec. 23 to provide immediate response to emergencies by the beach. (Johanne Macob /PNA)
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