DOH raises code white alert
The Department of Health (DOH) will raise Code White Alert in preparation for the coming New Year celebration.
Dr. Erwin G.Solas, regional coordinator of "Fourmula Kontra Paputok" Program of the Department of Health in Western Visayas disclosed during the PIA-CATV program that starting December 31, 2007 to January 1, 2008 Code White Alert is in place for all government health facilities in the region to help persons who might be victims of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.
Dr. Solas said that the DOH and other support agencies have earlier conducted information campaigns to raise the level of awareness of the public on the dangers posed by firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices to human lives and to properties.
He revealed during the PIA-CATV program that the victims of firecrackers blast are getting younger each year if compared to the adult group victims in Western Visayas,noting that last year, 40% of children aging from 0-10 years old were injured by firecrackers,and 36% for children aging 11-20 years old.
Only 10% for the 41-50 years age group were recorded injured by firecrackers.one percent for 50 years and up; 8 percent- 31 to 30 years old.8% for 21 to 30 years old.and five percent for the 31-40 years old age group.
Dr.Solas said that the data were based on the record from the DOH VI Sentinel Sites-Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City and the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City.
An increase of only 10% was observed in year 2006 from year 2005 firecracker-related injuries.said Dr.Solas as he attributed 32% caused by "Trianggulo" and 27% by "Camara".and only one victim of stray bullet as against three in year 2005.
Police Senior Superintendent Wesley A.Barayuga of the Iloilo City Police Office said in the same edition of the PIA-CATV program on the other hand that they have conducted a forum with the firecracker manufacturers in Iloilo City to discuss as well as to remind them of the provisions of the Republic Act No. 7183 otherwise known as An Act Regulating the Sale, manufacture, Distribution and Use of Firecrackers and other Pyrotechnic Devices.(PIA/T.Villavert)