The Department of Health (DOH) recorded the first case of “hearing loss” due to fireworks in Central Luzon a few days before the New Year.
On Day 8 of the DOH’s Fireworks Related Incident (FWRI) report, among the cases was a 23-year-old woman who lost her hearing after being blown up by a firecracker.
“Fireworks can lead to hearing loss. Firework explosions result in sound levels of 140-150 decibels (dB), which can lead to pain and ear injury after exposure,” according to the DOH.
In this report, eight cases of gunfire were added to the record with ages 5-49 years old, and most of them were men.
Fortunately, no finger or hand amputations were reported in such incidents.
There are now 96 cases of gunfire across the country. About 33 or 34% of these occurred in Metro Manila.
Earlier, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) called on local governments to implement their respective ordinances that prohibit the use of dangerous fireworks this New Year 2024.
“I continue to remind our LGUs, especially the ones with local ordinances already in place, na pangunahan ang pagtitiyak na malayo sa disgrasya ng paputok ngayong holiday season ang ating mga kababayan,” said Abalos.
Code White raised by DOH
The Department of Health (DOH) raised the Code White status for the coming New Year in preparation for the celebrations and a possible increase in the number of fireworks.
Those placed on Code White Alert include the entire health sector, including DOH central and regional offices, DOH hospitals, and other health facilities, whether public or private.
It is effective from December 20, 2023, to January 4, 2024.
The purpose of the Code Alert System is the proper coordination and response of the health sector to health emergencies and disasters.
It has three colors: Code White, Code Blue and Code Red, depending on the level of emergency.
“Under orders of President Marcos, the DOH and all hospitals and health facilities will be ready for all untoward incidents this Christmas and New Year season. However, the best cure is still to prevent such incidents, especially trauma, from even happening,” according to the DOH.
The DOH once again called on the public to refrain from firing, stop drinking alcohol, and not drive while intoxicated.
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