THE Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (Resu) of the Department of Health (DOH)-Central Visayas recorded a 13 percent decrease in firecracker-related injuries during the Christmas and New year celebrations this year compared to 2019.

From the 67 recorded injuries in Central Visayas in 2019, Resu recorded only 58 cases on Sunday, January 5, 2020.

Thirty-seven of those hurt came from Cebu, 10 from Bohol, nine from Negros Oriental and two from Siquijor.

Of the injured, Resu Central Visayas said three sustained blast/burn injuries not requiring amputation, 46 blast/burn injuries requiring amputation, seven eye injuries and two injuries from stray bullets.

Among the injured, aged 1 to 51, 41 were males and 17 were females. Twenty-six of these incidents happened on the streets while 32 happened at home.

Based on the Resu records, among the firecrackers used were kwitis, piccolo, triangle, lantaka, and whistle bomb.

The DOH Central Visayas placed all public hospitals in the region under Code White starting December 21, 2019 until January 4, 2020.

Code White alert refers to the readiness of hospital manpower—general and orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, internists, operating room nurses, ophthalmologists and otorhinolaryngologists—to respond to any emergency situation. (WBS)