Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 31) – The Department of Health (DOH) on Sunday urged parents and guardians to be more responsible for their children as the agency recorded eight more firecracker-related injuries on New Year’s Eve, including one 4-year-old who lost all five fingers on his right hand.
Health Undersecretary Eric Tayag in a briefing expressed concern over the number of children being rushed to hospitals due to injuries caused by illegal firecrackers.
\”The DOH is seriously concerned how such deadly and illegal fireworks are able to reach the hands of young children,\” he said.
According to the DOH’s latest data, firecracker-related injuries reached 115 as of 5:59 a.m. on Dec. 31.
All eight new cases are males with ages ranging from four to 37 years old.
Tayag said the 4-year-old from Central Luzon lost all his fingers in his right hand after lighting an illegal \”dart bomb\” at home.
\”We ask our police to crack down further on those selling illegal fireworks that find their way to destroy the hands and futures of Filipino children,\” the DOH said in a statement.
Of the total injuries, the DOH said 44 were from Metro Manila, followed by Central Luzon and Ilocos Region with 13 cases each.
It said six out of 10 injuries were caused by illegal fireworks and firecrackers, including boga, 5-star, piccolo, pla-pla, and dart bomb.
In treating firecracker-related injuries, the DOH said the best first aid treatment is to wash and clean the wounds before trying to add pressure to stop any bleeding.
