A total of 546 injuries were reported from December 21-31 last year. This was 34 or 7% more cases compared to those reported in the same period last year (512).
Of this number, 518 (95%) were due to firework injuries, 20 (4%) to stay bullet injuries and 8 (1%) to firework ingestion/poisoning.
Among those who sustained firework injuries, 408 (79%) were males. Ages of cases ranged from 1 year-74 years (median 14 years).
The top 3 regions with the most umber of injuries were theNational Capital Region (301 or 58%), Ilocos (35 or 7%) andWestern Visayas (29 or 6%). There was one death due to intentional piccolo ingestion.
There were 301 (58%) active users. Among active users who are 18 and above, 52 (38%) were under the influence of alcohol. Thirty-one (6%) had amputations, 84 (16%) sustained eye injuries and the rest 403 (78%) had burns/blast wounds. -30- DOH
