The city government of Manila expects lesser firecracker-related injuries this New Year, Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada said Friday.
In at least one hospital in the city, Estrada was proven right: only 39 firecracker-related injuries were reported at Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center from December 21 to yesterday, compared to 149 injuries in the same period last year, hospital officials said.
Most victims suffered firecracker burns on their hands, eyes, arms, foreheads, legs and face, in that order of frequency, JRMMC officer of the day Dr. Godfrey de Jesus added.
For the last three years, Manila has seen decreasing firecracker incidents because of the city government’s relentless campaign against illegal firecrackers and pyrotechnics, Estrada said.
“We are hoping this would continue in order that the coming 2017 will be safe and happy for everyone,” the mayor said.
Based on a report from the Manila Health Department, about 700 firecracker injuries and burn victims were tallied in 2013, going down to 500 in 2014 and 300 in 2015.
“We have been reiterating the ill effects of using firecrackers every year. We visited schools and every barangay, to inform them that these firecrackers, if not handled properly, can lead to serious injuries, death and, of course, fire,” Estrada added.
The mayor said President Rodrigo Duterte’s total firecracker ban has somewhat affected the sale and manufacture of banned firecrackers.
“Of course, it is a combined effort of the President, DoH [Department of Health] and LGUs [local government units] like Manila, to disseminate information among people the effects of these firecrackers,” he said.
According to MHD Chief Dr. Benjamin Yson, most incidents related to firecracker usage in the city are skin burns and minor wounds.
“Maybe one [person] had a major injury, most are burn injuries, but there is still no report of dismembered joints or hands,” Yson explained.
The six city-owned hospitals are on standby to treat any victims, Yson said, and he assured that they have stockpiled medicine and first-aid supplies for blast victims.
“They’re on set, on full alert, to address of course, blast injuries, possible shooting victims; stray bullet or direct altercations, stabbing victims, physical victims brought out by the festivity. They’ve been ready since December 24 up to January 1,” he added.
Manila’s six public hospitals – the Sta. Ana Hospital, Ospital ng Tondo, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center, Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center and Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital – are manned by about 600 doctors.