Firecracker-related injuries down by 8 cases

CITY Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos announced that the number of firecracker-related injuries, during the welcoming of 2013, is lowered by eight cases compared to that of 2012.

The City Health Office has recorded a total of 40 cases of firecracker-related injuries from December 21 until Thursday in Zamboanga City.

Agbulos’ office has recorded a total of 48 victims of firecracker-related incidents in this city during the entry of 2012.

Agbulos said 70 percent of the victims this year were injured by piccolo, which the Department of Health (DOH) classified as dangerous firecrackers since it can explode in the hands and may cause death when ingested.

Of the 40 victims, Agbulos said that 29 of them were treated at the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC), six at the Mindanao Central Sanitarium, three at the Zamboanga Doctors’ Hospital, and two at the Zamboanga Brent Hospital.

Agbulos attributed the decrease of the cases this year to the people’s awareness on the ill effects of firecrackers brought about by the continuous campaign of the government.

Meanwhile, Agbulos strongly urged the police and military to further strengthen the campaign against the use of firearms during the New Year revelry.

Agbulos said there were three stray bullet victims, who were injured during the New Year revelry, which is higher by one victim compared to the two cases registered in the previous year.

The three stray bullet victims, including a woman, were treated at the ZCMC.