DOH issues first aid tips for firecracker injuries

The Department of Health is unwavering in its campaign to urge the public to ditch firecrackers for safer alternatives to celebrate New Year's Eve.

 

However, it also knows that people will set them off anyway, and so has offered first-aid tips in the event of injuries caused by firecrackers.

 

 

According to a report on News To Go, the DOH advises firecracker users:

 

1. Wash the injured part of the body with clean water.

2. Wrap the wound using clean cloth and bring the victim to the hospital immediately.

3. Do NOT apply toothpaste to the wound or burn.

4. If the eyes are injured, do not wash them out. Instead, have the victim close their eyes. Cover the eyes with a cloth to prevent further scratching of the corneas.

5. If the victim has swallowed a firecracker or its elements, have them drink raw egg whites. A FAQ from the department recommends eight to 12 egg whites for an adult and six to eight for a child.

Bring the patient to the nearest hospital or Poison Control Center.

 

According to the DOH's National Epidemiology Center Fireworks Injury Registry, as of 6 a.m. December 30 there have been 162 reported firecracker-related injuries. Of these, 113 were caused by piccolo firecrackers. 

 

Children have been especially affected, with 138 of the 162 injuries involving male victims with a median age of 11. Children below 10 years old account for 56 (35 percent) of cases.

 

Also, out of the 162 cases so far, six have required amputation, while 31 have been eye injuries. —BM/NB, GMA News