With New Year celebrations fast-approaching, a time when firecrackers and other similar pyrotechnics are often used during festivities, the Department of Health (DOH) recently issued a warning about “firecracker poisoning,” a term the department uses to refer to certain ailments caused by firecrackers.
For skin injuries, DOH recommends immediately washing the affected area, removing contaminated clothing, and to seek medical treatment; for cases where materials have entered the eye, the department suggests washing the affected eye for at least 15 minutes, along with seeking medical attention.
In case firecracker materials are ingested, DOH suggests, if inhaled, those affected should be moved away from the community fireworks display and ensure they are able to breathe normally; meanwhile, if such substances are swallowed, the department recommended not inhibiting the individual from throwing up. In both cases, immediate medical attention is also necessary.
Earlier this month, DOH posted an update on social media reminding the public about Firecracker Injury Prevention Month, which is observed throughout December.
“Magdiwang nang ligtas at masaya sa Kapaskuhan at Bagong Taon (Celebrate a fun and safe Christmas and New Year),” the agency noted. “Makiisa sa Community Fireworks display sa inyong lugar (Join the community fireworks displays in your area).”
DOH also made note of several points to consider with regard to preventing injury including remembering that explosives are dangerous, children must be kept away from fireworks, do not point pyrotechnics at others, and seek treatment immediately if injured./WDJ