THE Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) has intensified its “Iwas Paputok” preparations as it began monitoring firecracker-related injuries in Dagupan City and nearby towns ahead of the New Year celebrations.

According to R1MC officials, surveillance of fireworks-related injuries started on December 21 and will run until January 6 as part of the Department of Health’s annual campaign to prevent firecracker injuries.

Dr. Dino Lorenzo Manzano of the R1MC Emergency Department said that nine fireworks-related injury cases were recorded from December 21 to December 25, involving patients from Mangaldan, Bani, and Bacayao Norte in Dagupan City. Of these, seven patients from the Bacayao Norte incident were brought to R1MC.

Dr. Joseph Fama, head of the Department of Emergency Medicine, clarified that not all victims from the Bacayao Norte incident were admitted to R1MC, as some were taken to other hospitals. He confirmed that two fatalities were reported—one who died at the site of the blast and another who later died after being brought to a private hospital.

Hospital officials noted that most of the patients treated at R1MC sustained non-life-threatening injuries, with several being treated and discharged from the emergency room. However, one patient—a five-year-old boy—was admitted to the surgical ward due to a superficial burn injury, requiring further medical management.

Manzano emphasized that the figures released by R1MC reflect only those patients who were brought to and treated at the regional medical center, while other cases handled by private hospitals and other facilities are reported separately and consolidated at the regional level.

R1MC Medical Center Chief Dr. Joseph Roland Mejia urged individuals who sustain fireworks-related injuries—no matter how minor they may appear—to seek immediate medical consultation. He warned that untreated wounds could lead to infection and other complications that may develop days after the incident.

As part of the Iwas Paputok campaign, Fama reiterated the hospital’s call for vigilance, particularly to protect children. He warned that firecracker injuries often occur after New Year’s Day, when unexploded fireworks are picked up by children, posing serious risks to families.

R1MC officials said monitoring will continue through early January as they strengthen public awareness and readiness to respond to firecracker-related injuries during the holiday season. (Eva Visperas)