CITY OF MALOLOS — In a concerted effort to manage fireworks-related injuries (FWRI), public and private hospitals, along with Rural Health Units (RHUs) in Bulacan, have actively addressed the needs of affected individuals during the holiday season.
From December 21, 2024 to January 2, 2025, a total of 164 cases of FWRIs were recorded, which is 1.23% higher compared to 162 cases reported in the same period last year.
The majority of injuries were reported among males, accounting to 79% of the cases, while females accounted for 21% of the cases. The geographical distribution of injuries includes 23 cases from Santa Maria, 21 from the City of San Jose Del Monte, 17 from Bocaue, 11 from Baliwag, 10 each from Calumpit, Marilao, and San Rafael, 9 from the City of Malolos, 7 from the City of Meycauayan, 6 each from Balagtas and Hagonoy, 5 each from Guiguinto, Plaridel, and San Ildefonso, 4 each from Norzagaray, Pandi, and San Miguel, 2 each from Bulakan, Bustos, and Pulilan, and 1 from Angat.
Analysis of the injuries revealed that the most common fireworks causing harm were Kwitis (41 cases), Five Star (35 cases), Luces (14 cases), others and unknown (12 cases each), Fountain (10 cases), Boga (9 cases), Pla-pla (5 cases), Piccolo and Judas Belt (4 cases each), Whistle Device and Kwiton (3 cases each), Sparklers, Roman Candle, Giant Whistle Bomb and Bawang (2 cases each) and Pillbox, Kabasi, Baby Rocket and Homemade (1 case each). The types of injuries varied, with the following breakdown: 131 cases involved blasts without amputation, 6 cases involved a blast with amputation, 19 cases classified as eye injuries, 5 cases in multiple injuries, and 3 cases involved in other fireworks-related injuries.
“Our hospitals are on heightened alert this holiday season. Ipinatupad po natin ang Executive Order No. 40 series of 2024 o ang Oplan Ingat Paputok upang mas bumaba kung hindi man tuluyang mawala ang mabiktima ng mga paputok. Fireworks can be dangerous, and we hope this data serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures,” Gov. Daniel R. Fernando said.
As local health facilities continue to provide necessary medical assistance, the Provincial Health Office – Public Health urges the community to report any firework-related incidents promptly to ensure effective intervention and care. (UnliNews Online)
