December 23, 2024 | 6:06pm
MANILA, Philippines — A few days before Christmas, Filipinos using firework products have already resulted in injuries.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported on Monday, December 23, that 17 individuals were injured by fireworks in just over a day.
The incidents occurred from Sunday, December 22, to 6 a.m. on December 23, marking a 183% increase from the six individuals injured recorded during the same period in 2023.
Of the victims, 16 were male and the other was female. Almost all were aged 19 or younger, while one was around 20 years old. Fifteen of these cases involved illegal fireworks.
The DOH gathered the data from 62 hospitals or sentinel sites nationwide monitoring firecracker-related injuries.
The health department reiterated its warning against the use of fireworks, urging people to opt for safer alternatives like drums or horns. Parents were also reminded to prevent their children from handling fireworks.
In 2023, the Philippine National Police recorded 509 firecracker-related injuries, while the DOH tallied 231 incidents on January 1, 2024, following New Year’s celebrations.
For emergencies, hospitals are on standby with equipment to treat firework-related injuries.
The public can call the National Emergency Hotline 911 or the DOH’s hotline at 1555 for medical assistance during the holidays.
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