'Fourmula' hopes to prevent injuries this season
Last year, some 585 injuries caused by fireworks, stray bullets and watusi ingestion were reported by the Departed of Health (DOH) as the whole nation celebrated the holiday season.
This year, to prevent if not minimize injuries during this season, the DOH introduced a scheme dubbed "Fourmula Kontra Paputok".
"Fourmula Kontra Paputok" is a scheme designed by Health Secretary Francisco Duque to heighten public’s awareness on four ways to prevent firecracker and fireworks related injuries and deaths during the holidays, said Assistant Regional Director Paulyn Jean Rossel Ubial of DOH, Region VI.
In a PIA interview, ARD Ubial said that the DOH’s four safe ways of making noise are: l)using of pots, pans and paper horns; 2) never pick firecrackers that failed to explode; 3) if wounded, immediately wash wounds with soap and water and go to the nearest hospital for treatment and 4) never fire guns to greet the new year.
Of the 585 injuries reported from 21 December 2004 to January 1, 2005, 548 were due to fireworks, 33 stray bullets and four were cases of "watusi" ingestion, said the report from the 50 different sentinel sites of the DOH nationwide.
The record shows that 27 cases of blast injuries required amputation while 430 others did not need amputation; 91 were eye injuries; 33 were stray bullet cases; and 4 were cases of "watusi" ingestion. Of those injured, 56% directly handled fireworks, 29% were onlookers, and l5% were passersby.
The regions with the most number of cases were the National Capital Region - 393; Ilocos region - 36; Western Visayas- 30; Central Luzon- 28; and Central Visayas-28.
The DOH record also revealed that 28% of the victims were under the influence of liquor.
In the coming year, the DOH urged the public to try the "Fourmula Kontra Paputok for a safe and a happy new year celebration.
(T.Villavert/PIA)