Cheyenne Suarez

From December 21 to noon of December 27, the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) in Manila has had 11 cases of fireworks related injuries (FWRI).

Article (news)

JRRMMC, DOH log more cases of fireworks-related injuries

Victoria Tulad

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — From December 21 to noon of December 27, the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) in Manila has had 11 cases of fireworks related injuries (FWRI).One victim needed amputation.“He came here with injuries to the face, abdomen, saka wala na siyang thumb,” said Dr. Jose Bundoc, chief resident of JRRMMC’s Department of Orthopedics. “Nung pinaputok niya siguro, he held it closer to his body so tinamaan yung buong katawan niya.Of the 11 patients, four were active cases meaning they lit the firecracker themselves, while seven were passive cases meaning they were probably just passing by or just picked up the firecracker.In 2022, JRRMMC logged 34 FWRI. A year later, the figure jumped to 94. This year, Bundoc expects more.“Dahil mas less yung restrictions and yung mga paputok mas easily accessible. You can buy it online,” Bundoc said.The Department of Health (DOH) agrees. Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said, “mas nagiging liberal na yung pagbenta, yung ating supply, at yung ating demand” as the country moves farther away from the pandemic lockdown.  <div>101 CASES NATIONWIDE</div>From December 21 to 27, the DOH has monitored 101 FWRI cases in the country, which is higher by 35% compared to the 75 cases in 2023.Metro Manila is the region with the most number of cases with 26, followed by Central Luzon with 16, Cagayan Valley with 11, Western Visayas with 9, and Ilocos Region and Central Visayas with 7 each.Most injuries are caused by illegal firecrackers, particularly, boga, five star and piccolo. But, according to Domingo, even legal firecrackers are dangerous since kwitis has also caused many injuries.Children aged five to 14 are the usual victims.“Yung mga lalaking bata para bang may pinapatunayan na gusto kong ipakita sa aking pamilya, gusto kong ipakita sa aking komunidad na isa na akong ganap, tunay na lalaki at kaya kong magsindi ng paputok,” Domingo told ABS-CBN. “Dapat hindi talaga nagsisindi ng kahit na anong fireworks legal man o hindi.”  DOH has put hospitals under code white to better respond to FWRI.“Pag code white, ibig sabihin po naka-standby na yung mga ospital kasi alam natin na mas maraming pasyente ang dumarating,” Domingo explained.He reminded the public to immediately bring a firecracker victim to the nearest hospital.As first aid, a wound must be covered by a clean cloth. Put pressure on it for five minutes to stop the bleeding.If there is no blood, wash the wound with clean, warm water.If a body part gets cut off, put that in a towel and in a clean container with ice and bring to the hospital.If watusi is ingested, make the victim eat six to eight egg whites if he is younger than 12 years old; if he is 12 years or older, give him eight to 12 egg whites. Do not make him vomit so the chemical will not rise up and damage the gastrointestinal tract.Settle with watching your community’s fireworks display.

From December 21 to noon of December 27, the Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center (JRRMMC) in Manila has had 11 cases of fireworks related injuries (FWRI).