Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 30) — Firecracker injuries are half higher as of last count from last year, said the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, with the numbers still rising ahead of the new year revelry.
The DOH on Friday said the number has reached 41 — or 52% higher than the total cases in 2021 — after five more injuries were recorded from Dec. 29 to 30.
In an interview with CNN Philippines’ Newsroom Ngayon, Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag said eye injuries were mostly reported, with “boga” — or improvised cannon — as the culprit.
Hospitals are now under “white alert” — meaning, they must have special teams to handle firecracker injuries.
Authorities have also stepped up their crackdown on illegal firecrackers.
RELATED: NCRPO destroys ₱700,000 worth of illegal firecrackers ahead of New Year
DOH says that fireworks-related injuries should be treated like burn injuries, run under cold water for one to two minutes. For eye injuries, wash the injured area with cold water.
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) December 30, 2022
DOH on firework-related injury first-aid: Huwag na kayo gumamit ng ointment, toothpaste, kamatis, or ano pa man, tubig ang kailangan.
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) December 30, 2022
