Firecracker-related injuries reach 534

The Department of Health (DOH) has recorded over 500 firecracker-related injuries two days after the New Year's Eve revelry.

- By RHODINA VILLANUEVA

The DOH said 194 additional cases brought the total number of firecracker injuries to 534 as recorded by 62 sentinel hospitals from Dec. 22 to Jan. 2. This was 98 percent lower than the 592 cases posted during the same period last year.

Of the total cases, 322 were aged 19 and below, while 212 were 20 years old and above. The DOH also noted that 443 of the victims were males and 91 females.

Most of the injuries were caused by kwitis followed by boga, unknown type of firecrackers, five-star and whistle bomb.

The department expects firecracker-related cases to go up until Jan. 6 since there are still those who have not yet been taken to hospitals for treatment.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa stressed that death from firecracker-related injuries is preventable.

"If one doesn't use or light up firecrackers, death can be avoided. We will not stop until there'll be zero death as to the use of firecrackers or fireworks," Herbosa said.

The DOH said it would advocate for a total ban on the use of firecrackers and fireworks.

"If not, we will push for organizing community fireworks display so professionals will be the ones to take care of such," Herbosa said, adding that the DOH is also looking at prohibiting children from using firecrackers.