DOH: Firecracker injuries now at 704, surpass last year's count by 16.9%

The Department of Health (DOH) reported Friday that the number of firecracker-related injuries rose to 704, eclipsing the previous year's tally by 16.9%.

The DOH also placed the current count of fatalities at two, after a 44-year-old male lit a triangle firecracker that caused a deadly wound on his head.

Total cases were logged based on data from 62 sentinel sites, covering the period from December 22, 2024 to 6 a.m. of January 3, 2025.

This also overtakes the previous year's tally of 602 total cases as of January 3, 2024, marking a 16.9% increase.

Since New Year's Eve 2024, a total of 112 new cases have been recorded, the DOH said.

"Nananatili pa rin ang mga kabataan at menor de edad bilang pangunahing biktima ng mga paputok," the DOH said.

(Youths and minors remain as the primary victims of fireworks-related injuries.)

Of the 704 injured patients, 412 were teenagers or children. The remaining 292 were aged 20 or higher.

Victims were overwhelmingly male, accounting for 583 or 82.8% of cases. Females, on the other hand, numbered 121 or about 17.8% of cases.

Kwitis, a legal yet dangerous firework, still stands as the main cause of related injuries. It is followed by the "boga" improvised cannon, some relatively unknown firecrackers, five star, and whistle bomb.

The DOH stressed that injuries due to kwitis and boga can include skin burns, and amputation in some severe cases.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said Thursday that the number of firecracker-related injuries are still expected to increase in the coming days due to late reports and victims not getting treatment immediately.

24 Oras reported earlier that four individuals in Luzon and Visayas died due to firecracker-related injuries as the country welcomed the New Year.

In giving first aid to those who were injured due to fireworks, the DOH advised the following:

• Do not ignore even a small wound.
• Immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Cover the wound with sterilized gauze, bandage, or clean cloth.
• Press the wounded part to stop the bleeding.

Meanwhile, those who were injured in the eye can do the following:

• Flush the affected eye with clean and warm water. Do not use cold water.
• Do not rub or scratch the affected eye.
• Cover the affected eye with a clean cloth or gauze.
• Go immediately to an emergency room to receive a tetanus shot.

In case someone swallowed a firecracker, here’s what to do:

• Do not force the victim to vomit.
• Feed the victim with raw egg whites: 6-8 pieces for a child, and 8-12 pieces for adults.

— Sherylin Untalan/ VDV, GMA Integrated News