Hospitals in Northern and Central Luzon have raised full alert status as they brace for a possible spike in fireworks-related injuries during the New Year celebrations.

At the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) in Dagupan City, emergency responders activated full preparedness measures, with fast lanes, beds, medicines, and surgical equipment ready for holiday-related cases, particularly injuries caused by firecrackers and boga. Emergency room physicians said the hospital anticipated the seasonal risks and prepared supplies in advance.

“We anticipated the equipment we need for victims of firecrackers and other trauma related to New Year. Ready-ng ready naman tayo doon,” Dr. Elmer Recaido, ER physician at R1MC, said.

Hospital officials said all departments have been alerted and coordinated to respond quickly to emergencies.

“Activated lahat ng mga department, mala-surgery yan, pedia, na alam nila lahat kung ano ang gagawin para sa New Year na ito,” Dr. Arggie Vallangca, also an ER physician at R1MC, said.

Based on R1MC records, the hospital has already logged 11 fireworks-related injury cases this holiday season.

The youngest victim is three years old, while the oldest is 34. Most of the injuries were caused by illegal firecrackers and boga. Two patients, aged 17 and five, remain admitted due to boga-related injuries.

“Currently, meron tayong admitted na patients, isang 17 at 5 years old na yung case nila is related sa boga,” Recaido said.

Health authorities continue to remind the public to celebrate safely and avoid prohibited fireworks.

Meanwhile, the Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (PJGMRMC) in Cabanatuan City has also declared readiness for New Year emergencies. The hospital’s emergency room has a 75-bed capacity, supported by an acute care unit for unstable and trauma patients. Medical teams, medicines, and equipment are on standby.

PJGMRMC, the largest government regional hospital in Central Luzon with a 1,000-bed capacity, has recorded seven fireworks-related injuries involving boga, five star, dark bomb, and whistle bomb. The victims came from San Leonardo, Gapan City, and Cabanatuan City.