DOH intensifies campaign vs. firecrackers
Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas vows to intensify its campaign on Fourmula Kontra Paputok as the New Year's eve approaches.
DOH Regional Director Lydia Depra-Ramos, in a briefer sent to various media outlets, said victims of firecrackers have been increasing every year despite the campaign initiated by their department.
As such, she has called on the media, government organizations and local government units to join hands in creating public awareness on the hazards of firecrackers and pyrotechniques.
Ramos noted that every year children 10 years old and below comprise the bigger fraction of victims of fireworks and firecrackers. It is followed by youth and adolescents, 11 to 20 years old.
Because of this, Ramos said the children and the adolescents must be closely guided by parents and caregivers. She added that firecrackers and pyrotechnics should not be sold or made available to said age groups.
DOH data showed that there was a tremendous increase in firecrackers and pyrotechnics victims in year 2003, at 77 persons, compared to that of 2002 which only registered 22 victims.
In year 2004 victims again increased registering 88 firecrackers injuries. The record decreased to 70 victims in 2005 but again went up to 78 victims in year 2006.
Another 2006 data from DOH showed that the triangle, locally known "triangulo", caused the most firecracker injuries at 32%. It is followed by "camara" at 27%.
As to involvement, 69% of firecracker injuries comprise active users while only 31% comprise passive users.
DOH also noted that every year since 2003 there were victims of stray bullets during the New Year's eve revelry. In 2003 they registered two victims, 2004 one victim, 2005 three victims and 2006 one victim.
Ramos also reiterated that Watusi is already banned from the market as per memorandum of the Firearms and Explosives Division of the Philippine National Police dated January 17, 2002.
Ramos added DOH will be declaring a Code White Alert this December 31 and January 1of the following year to all DOH hospitals to ensure prompt emergency services to injured patients.
The director further urged the public to celebrate the new year with trumpets and other non-harmful objects instead of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.
It can be noted that the DOH hopes to totally eliminate the use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics by the year 2010.