Learners from Dagupan City blow the traditional “torotot” to signal the start of the “Iwas Paputok ” Campaign during the launching ceremony at the Dagupan City Plaza on December 14, 2023. DOH advises the public to use alternative noisemakers for an injury-free New Year’s revelry.

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH)-Ilocos Region has reported the first casualty resulting from fireworks-related injuries (FWRI) in Dagupan City, Pangasinan.

DOH Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco disclosed that a 38-year-old male, who suffered multiple physical injuries in a blasting incident, was admitted to the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) on December 26, 2023, and tragically succumbed on the same day.

Sydiongco stated that the cause of death was attributed to burn wounds, sepsis, second-degree burns on the head and right upper extremity, and blasting injury.

“We strongly urge everyone to refrain from using firecrackers to prevent any serious incidents. Fireworks can be dangerous, and avoiding them altogether is the best way to stay safe. Let’s steer clear of areas where fireworks are being set off to avoid accidents,” Sydiongco emphasized.

From December 21 to 28, 2023, the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) reported a total of 33 FWRI cases, marking a 120% increase compared to the same period last year when there were 15 cases only.

Pangasinan leads the provinces with the highest FWRI cases at 26 (78.8%), with Dagupan City accounting for 18 cases, followed by La Union with 5 (15.2%), Ilocos Sur with 1 (3%), and Ilocos Norte with 1 (3%).

The age range of the cases is 7-74 years, with 27 (81.8%) males and 6 (18.2%) females injured.

“Most of the FWRI cases still involve children aged 5 to 14 and bystanders watching the fireworks. It’s crucial to keep children indoors when fireworks are being set off to prevent them from getting hurt,” Sydiongco emphasized.

Of the total cases, 27 (81.8%) suffered blast/burn injuries with no amputation, 3 (9.1%) suffered blast/burn injuries with amputation, and 3 (9.1%) suffered eye injuries.

Unlabeled imported firecrackers remain the primary cause of FWRI with 20 cases, followed by boga with 7, kwitis with 2, and 1 case each from “one star,” “piccolo,” whistle bomb, and “bawang.”

Sydiongco added that all government hospitals in the region are under Code White Alert from December 21, 2023, to January 5, 2023, as part of their Oplan Iwas Paputok campaign during the Yuletide season this year.

(IAmigo/MNM)