Firecracker injuries rose by 35 %
LINGAYEN–People just never seem to learn.
The Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded 158 fireworks-related injuries all over Pangasinan under its “Formula Kontra Paputok” from December 21, 2010 up to January 3, 2011.
Dr. Anna Ma. Teresa de Guzman, provincial health officer, said this was 35 percent higher than the 117 injuries recorded for the same period in 2009.
The cases were reported by 14 government hospitals and one private hospital in Pangasinan.
De Guzman said most of the injured victims were children who picked up unexploded firecrackers that suddenly exploded in their hands.
The list does not include the lone fatality due to a stray bullet fired in conjunction with the New Year revelry in Barangay Carmen West, Rosales town.
The biggest number of injuries was reported by the Region 1 Medical Center in Dagupan City at 43; followed by the Lingayen District Hospital, 27; Pangasinan Provincial Hospital in San Carlos City, 22; Manaoag Community Hospital, 15; Urdaneta District Hospital, 12; Mapandan Community Hospital, 7; Bolinao Community Hospital, Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital and Asingan District Hospital, 5 each; Villaflor Memorial Hospital Inc, the lone private hospital, Western Pangasinan District Hospital, and Umingan Community Hospital, 2 each; Pozorrubio Community Hospital and Dasol Community Hospital, one each.
The lone government hospital that did not treat any firecracker-related injury was the Mangatarem District Hospital.
Noting the increased injuries, De Guzman suggested to the local government units to establish firecracker zones for next year’s revelry for better control.
She also asked the police to be stricter by confiscating banned powerful firecrackers since many were heard and seen exploded during the New Year celebration.—LM
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