Welcoming the New Year with fireworks and firecrackers is a longstanding Filipino tradition. According to common belief, the loud noise drives away bad luck and the colorful firework ushers in good fortune and prosperity.
Unfortunately, fireworks and firecrackers cause serious injuries such as burns, eye injuries and amputations to thousands of Filipinos every year. Thanks to the sustained campaign of the Department of Health (DOH), the number of firecrackers/fireworks-related injuries in the country has gone down dramatically in recent years.
As we observe Firecracker Injury Prevention Month, make sure you and your family will have a fun and safe New Year by following these firecracker safety tips from the DOH:
- Children should never use or light firecrackers. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, especially when children use sparklers.
- Persons who have drunk alcohol should never light fireworks or firecrackers.
- Light fireworks or firecrackers outdoors. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks or firecrackers.
- Light one firecracker at a time. Do not hold a firecracker while lighting it.
- Never pick up “failed” or dud firecrackers as these can still explode.
In case of firecrackers/fireworks-related injury, follow these first aid tips:
- Run cold water on the wound for 10-15 minutes. For burns, apply medicated ointment on the burned area. Cover the wound with kitchen wrap or aluminum foil. Bring the victim to the nearest hospital.
- In case of amputated fingers, place them in a clean plastic bag with ice. Bring the victim and the dismembered fingers immediately to the nearest hospital.
- For eye injuries, flush the eye with cool water to remove any residue from the fireworks. Do not scratch or touch the injured eye. Cover the injured eye with a clean cloth and bring the victim to the nearest hospital.
- For watusi ingestion, have the victim drink egg whites. Give six to eight egg whites to a child and eight to 12 egg whites to an adult. If the victim can’t stand the taste of egg whites, add soda or juice from citrus fruits such as oranges. Bring the victim to the nearest hospital immediately.