Doctors give advice on first aid in case of firecracker injuries

Doctors on Thursday shared some advice on how give first aid and on when one should be immediately taken to the hospital in case of firecracker injuries.

According to Lei Alviz's report on "24 Oras", minor injuries should be washed with soap and water, and wrapped with a clean cloth. However, the patient must immediately be taken to the hospital if the bleeding is continuous.

Those who would swallow watusi or gunpowder must also be brought to the hospital.

Wounds caused by stray bullets must be covered with a clean cloth and applied pressure if it is bleeding.

“Ilagay sa yelo at dalhin agad sa ospital," Dr. Melito Antonio Ramos, chairman of JRMMC Department of Orthopedics, said when asked about a finger that has amputated due to a firecracker blast.

"Depende 'yon kung 'yung mga ugat ay buhay pa, madudutgong natin. Critical din yung time para maibalik natin yung kamay o maidugtong natin uli yung  naputol na daliri," he added.

The DOH on Thursday reported four additional cases of fireworks-related injuries, bringing the total number to 36.

It said the current caseload of fireworks-related injuries is 44% higher compared to the same period last year.

Among the top fireworks involved were boga with 14 related injuries, followed by whistle bomb with four, five-star with three, kwitis with three, and camara with two, according to the DOH.

“Gawin nating tama at saka appropriate yung ginagawa nating pagcecelebrate dahil magbigay pugay tayo at magpasalamat na nakakalabas na tayo at nagagawa natin ang gusto natin, but not to the detriment of your health kung saan magkakainjury tayo dahil sa mga ginagamit nating paputok,” Vergeire said. -Richa Noriega/NB, GMA Integrated News