The Department of Health on Saturday reported this year’s first fireworks-related case involving a 12-year-old boy in Nueva Ecija.
The victim lost his left hand’s middle finger due to a “five-star” firecracker blast.
The boy, who played with the banned firecracker at home, was treated at the J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center in Cabanatuan.
He was given tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum, the Health department said.
The DOH began its fireworks-related injuries surveillance on Friday.
Under Executive Order 28, the use of firecrackers shall be confined to community fireworks display to minimize the risk of injuries and casualties.
The DOH recently checked the readiness of Philippine General Hospital, Ospital ng Tondo and Tondo Medical Center in treating fireworks-related injuries.
“Our hospitals should be ready for any eventualities during this holiday celebration when alcohol and fireworks sometimes become the center of merriment,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.
“A community fireworks display is a safer way to celebrate because skilled personnel handle the lighting of the fireworks,” he added.
The DOH surveillance on fireworks-related injuries will run until Jan. 5, 2019. About 50 sentinel hospitals nationwide submit their reports daily.
In 2017, the surveillance recorded a total of 463 cases. Majority of these victims belonged to the 10 to 14-years-old age group.
“We are reiterating our advice to parents and caregivers not to allow children to use any kind of firecrackers, especially piccolo, which is the most common cause of injuries among children aged between 10 and 14 years old,” Duque said. With PNA