A Code White Alert will be hoisted in public hospitals in Davao region from December 21, 2024 to January 6, 2025.

This means that medical personnel are prepared to respond to health emergencies.

“Wala sa mga medical health professionals ang pwede mag-leave, naa lang sila sa vicinity and dapat maabot sila sa hospital within five to 10 minutes kung tawagon sila,” Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) Chief, Dr. Bryan Dalid, said.

Hospital managements assured that there will be enough equipment and medical supplies to treat firecracker-related injuries.

“Naa tay anti-tetanus kung naay mabuthan, naay anti-biotics, anti pain (reliever), naa tay mga flushing solution, kung naay injuries sa mata. Naa tay mga itlog… ready para sa mga maka-ingest og watusi nga mga bata. Kintahay naay maputlan og nga daliri, naa tay mga gamit,” Dalid added.

“Every mga season nga dunay important events, gina-activate gyud namo ang trauma team, which is composed of surgery, mga surgeons gyud na sila,” Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Chief, Dr. Ricardo Audan, said.

INJURY

Health authorities advised those who will be injured by firecrackers to wash the wound with flowing water for around 20 minutes and bring the patient to the hospital.

“Abi nila gamay lang siya, sa ibabaw lang, ang kalalumon sa samad dili na nila ma-determine so mas maayo nga muadto sa ospital,” Department of Health-Davao (DOH-11) Director, Dr. Annabelle Yumang, said.

Those who swallow firecrackers accidentally, especially children, should be brought to the hospital immediately.

“Huwag mong pasukahin, immediately dalhin sa hospital. Do not induce vomiting… it may cause further damage to the gastrointestinal track,” Dalid said.

Aside from firecracker-related injuries, trauma cases like those injured because of road accidents are also being monitored during the holiday season.

“Kasagaran sa among vehicular accidents ug stabbing is under the influence of alcohol,” Audan said.