DOH reports 11 new cases of fireworks-related injuries; total now at 52

The Department of Health (DOH) recorded 11 new cases of fireworks-related injuries on Saturday, bringing the total caseload to 52.

The Health Department said this is 30% higher than the 40 total cases of fireworks-related injuries in the same period in 2021.

It added that the reported cases came from its 61 sentinel hospitals nationwide.

"Ngayong gabi ang Bisperas ng Bagong Taon! Huwag natin salubungin ang bagong taon na nakaratay sa ospital. Makinood na lang tayo sa community fireworks displays, magpatugtog at gumamit ng ibang alternatibong pampaingay para ligtas ang pagpasok ng 2023 sa ating mga bahay!" DOH added.

(Tonight is New Year's Eve. Let's not welcome the new year lying in hospital. Let's just watch the community fireworks displays, play, and use other alternative noisemakers so that 2023 enters our homes safely!)

Meanwhile, the East Avenue Medical Center in Quezon City recorded one firecracker-related injury case - on Friday night a woman was hit by a lit fireworks fountain that exploded.

According to a report on Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday, the woman was injured on the face and arms. She was immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Currently, the East Avenue Medical Center said it is prepared to accept fireworks-related injuries, which have a specific area for patients to avoid mix-ups. — DVM, GMA Integrated News