CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - In anticipation of the expected rise of emergency incidents during the New Year's Eve celebration, the Department of Health (DOH) has placed all public hospitals in the province under “code white” alert to quickly respond to victims of firecracker-related injuries.
According to DOH Region III Director Leonita Gorgolon, all hospital staff especially those assigned in emergency rooms, surgeons and those with specialization on trauma and injuries, will not be allowed to go on leave during the code white alert.
Gorgolon said that the alert status was raised on December 21 and will last until January 5 in response to the expected high number of firecracker-related injuries and stray bullet incidents.
However, the regional director said that the influx of victims of such incidents will peak on New Year's Eve until January 3 where people usually celebrate by lighting firecrackers.
Gorgolon still reminded the public to refrain from using firecrackers, especially those loud, explosive and dangerous to avoid such incidents from occurring.
She cited the ongoing Oplan Iwas Paputok launched by their department recently to minimize occurrence of firecracker-related incidents.
She advised the public to use alternatives such as horns, metal and stainless cookwares or kitchen utensils or plastic bottles to loudly welcome the coming year.