Fireworks cause injuries and endanger health, the Department of Health warned the Ilonggos.

“Necessary preparations at the earliest time must now be set in place so that the public or the parents and their children will be guided on the dangers posed by firecrackers and all forms of fireworks, Jerry Porras, program coordinator of violence, injury and Iwas paputok of the Department of Health (DOH) said during the multi-sectoral meeting, with members of media recently.

The DOH is now stepping up its campaign as the Yuletide season is setting in, and as part of the Filipino culture the use of firecrackers during this season is rampant.

The campaign aims to discourage the public from  using firecrackers and fireworks to reduce the number of injuries or even casualties this Christmas and during New Year’s eve.

Porras also warned parents to be watchful and urged them to educate their children on the harmful effects of firecrackers.

Porras, in the course of his Iwas paputok advocacy shared the national fireworks injury surveillance report which showed that in the last holiday season, a total of 1,021 injuries were reported by 50 Sentinel Hospitals nationwide from December 21, 2011 - January 5, 2012.

This figure represents one case lower than the 1,022 cases recorded in 2010 and 27 cases higher than the five years average

Last year, paputok-related injuries still top the list of types of injuries with 987 cases followed by stray-bullet injuries with 29 cases and firecracker ingestion with 5 cases. 

There were 4 deaths reported, the national data showed.

Porras said that for Western Visayas, some 46 were reported injured, compared to 47 in year 2010-2011 record.  In December 2011-January 5, 2012 record one died from stray bullet.

Porras also said that the meeting with the various stakeholders on Iwas Paputok was also aimed at informing the public of the alternative ways to spend the New Year’s Eve; proper wound care to avoid tetanus.

The DOH five reminders for a safe Yuletide celebrations are:1) Fireworks cause injuries and endanger health; 2) Children should not use any firework; 3) Keep safe and away from exploding fireworks; 4) Never pick used fireworks; 5) Seek immediate medical treatment for all firework injuries.*PIA