Firecracker injuries to the hands, face reported among minors ahead of New Year

Several children were injured in their hands and face after handling firecrackers ahead of the New Year celebration.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo’s “24 Oras” report on Friday, a 10-year-old from Daraga, Albay almost lost several fingers after using a rebentador.

The firecracker exploded before he was able to throw it and he was thus injured on the thumb, index finger, and middle finger.

The child received treatment at the Bicol Regional Center and Medical Center in Legazpi City.

In another incident, a 12-year-old  in Macabebe, Pampanga almost lost his eye after handling a whistle bomb.

The child said he saw an unexploded whistle bomb along the road.

However, it exploded when he picked it up. Fortunately, he was not blinded in the incident.

Several hospitals were preparing for more of these incidents during the New Year’s festivities.

Equipment was being readied in the emergency room of the East Avenue Medical Center for firecracker victims.

According to Dr. Kevin Aldrich Melchor of the East Avenue Medical Center, the firecracker that caused the most hand injuries was the "piccolo" and several large kinds of "explosives na mga firecrackers.”

Alcohol poisoning, vehicular crashes

Hospitals were also preparing for other health emergencies including alcohol poisoning.

“Kasi pagnasobrahan ka sa alcohol pwede kang magkaroon ng alcohol poisoning. Kung sa tingin nila hindi nila magising yung kasama nila baka kailangan madala siya sa hospital,” Dr. John Paul Ner, East Avenue Medical Center spokesman, said.

The Philippine Orthopedic Center is also preparing for the victims of vehicular crashes, especially many who would drunk-drive during the festivities.

“Naghanda po ang Philippine Orthopedic Center ng mga samu’t saring gamot at pangangailangan para sa mga pasyenteng naaksidente napuputukan po ng paputok,” Dr. Nico Abella, chief resident of the Philippine Orthopedic Center, said.

However, several hospitals said they hoped that fewer patients would be brought to the hospitals in the New Year.

The total number of fireworks-related injuries has increased to 41 after four new cases were reported on Thursday, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

In an update, the DOH said injuries were 52% higher compared to the 27 total cases of fireworks-related injuries during the same period in 2021.

The DOH said the reported cases came from its 61 sentinel hospitals nationwide.

Most of these injuries were to the eyes, hands, and arms, according to the DOH. — Richa Noriega/DVM, GMA Integrated News