The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a total of 771 firecracker-related injuries during the holiday season, alongside the first fatality caused by a stray bullet.
Key Statistics
- The reported injuries were recorded from December 22, 2024, to January 4, 2025, with data collected from 54 out of 62 sentinel sites.
- 453 victims (58.8%) were aged 19 or below, while 318 (41.2%) were adults aged 20 and older.
- 82.5% (636 cases) of the victims were male, with females making up 17.5% (135 cases).
- Skyrockets or kwitis were the leading cause of injuries, followed by five-star firecrackers and improvised PVC cannons (boga).
First Stray Bullet Death
The DOH confirmed the first stray bullet fatality of the season, involving a 19-year-old male from Davao del Norte. The victim was celebrating outside his home when he was struck by a stray bullet.
Other Notable Cases
The DOH also reported two cases of firecracker ingestion involving young children, aged two and three, emphasizing the danger these items pose, especially to minors.
DOH First Aid Guidelines for Firework Injuries
To address firecracker-related injuries:
- For wounds: Wash with soap and water, cover with sterilized gauze, and apply pressure to stop bleeding.
- For eye injuries: Flush with clean, warm water, avoid rubbing the eye, and cover with a clean cloth before seeking immediate medical attention.
- For firecracker ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; instead, feed the victim raw egg whites (6–8 for children, 8–12 for adults) and seek urgent medical help.
Rising Numbers Expected
DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa cautioned that the number of injuries may continue to rise due to late reporting or untreated cases.
This year’s tally already surpasses previous years, underscoring the need for stricter regulation and public awareness regarding firecracker safety.