Here's what to do if you get firecracker-related injury, according to DOH

Hours before the New Year celebration, the Department of Health (DOH) on Saturday gave first aid tips for those who may get injured due to handling of firecrackers.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Health Undersecretary Dr. Enrique "Eric" Tayag said Philippine hospitals are on red alert amid the expected rise in firecracker-related injuries as the New Year revelries draw near.

For those who will sustain wounds due to firecracker explosion, Tayag said the open wound should be immediately rinsed with running water.

“Ito ang gagawin 'pag ikaw ay nasabugan ng paputok: itapat mo ‘yan sa gripo, running water, minimum ng 15 minutes. Kailangan [mawala] muna ang init,” he said.

(Here's what to do when you are hit by firecrackers: rinse the wound with running water for a minimum of 15 minutes. The heat [caused by the firecracker] should be removed.)

“Titignan mo gaano kalaki 'yung burn na natamo. So kung more than isang palad [ang laki] ay dinadala na sa ospital ‘yan,” he added.

(See how big the burn is. If it is more than palm-width, go to the hospital.)

For minor cuts or burns, the DOH official said these should not be ignored and should still be treated with anti-tetanus shots.

“Siguraduhin niyo na napatignan niyo sa doktor ‘yan… Hindi niyo alam sa ilalim niyan ay nabubulok na ‘yung laman…Magdudulot ng problema tulad ng tetanus,” Tayag said.

(Make sure the injured is brought to a doctor. One can't tell if the flesh underneath has started to decay. This will cause problems such as tetanus.)

The total number of fireworks-related injuries has increased to 52 on Saturday after 11 new cases were reported from December 30 to 31, according to the DOH.

In an update, the DOH said injuries were 30% higher compared to the 40 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. —KG, GMA Integrated News