ILOILO – The holidays are all about winding down from a tough year and having fun. But accidents involving children can happen in a moment, and sometimes end in tragedy.
The Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 urged parents not to let their children wander off on their own or be without the supervision of a responsible adult or guardian.
Dr. Fritzi Ann Suzette Jeroso-Dequito, head of the Health Promotion Unit at DOH-6, particularly emphasized the risks of children picking up unexploded firecrackers, which could lead to serious injuries.
The Health department strongly discourages the use of firecrackers, especially by children, and particularly cited piccolo and watusi as dangerous.
Its Fireworks-Related Injury Surveillance System is set to start from Dec. 21, 2023 until Jan. 5, 2024 hand-in-hand with its “Iwas Paputok” public awareness campaign.
If holiday safety protocols are not followed, Jeroso-Dequito sees the possibility of increased fireworks-related injuries.
DOH-6 is promoting the use of safer noise-making alternatives such as sound systems, pots, bells, and vehicle horns, which do not pose health risks.
Regarding the use of horns (torotot), Jeroso-Dequito said DOH’s central office has not yet issued a recommendation, citing COVID-19 pandemic health protocols.
The “Iwas Paputok” campaign, relaunched in November 2023, has introduced new strategies, including contests and advocacy carolling, to reduce firecracker-related injuries.
DOH-6 plans to conduct a Regional Health Summit on Dec. 11 for local government units, health workers, and officials across Western Visayas to discuss strategies for a safer Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Its guidelines for safe and healthy holiday celebrations include avoiding fireworks and firecrackers, using safer alternatives, not picking up unexploded fireworks, and being aware of emergency hotlines and first-aid techniques.
Jeroso-Dequito also mentioned the likelihood of declaring a white code alert in the coming weeks, signaling the readiness of health facilities to manage patients related to holiday celebrations.
The DOH operation center will be on 24/7 alert to assist local governments and hospitals with any concerns. Health facilities will designate specific areas for the management of fireworks-related injuries under this alert./PN
