DOH-CAR promotes safe, injury-free holiday celebrations

BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health (DOH) ramps up its ‘Iwas Paputok’ campaign, urging the public to choose safe and non-injury holiday traditions.
Jef Tamondong of DOH-Cordillera encouraged the public to enjoy a safe holiday season and welcome the new year by participating in community fireworks displays and opting for alternatives such as “torotot” (horn), LED lights, and noise-making cans.
“Ang iwas paputok ay nagsusulong ng ligtas na paraan ng pagsalubong ng bagong taon. Iwasan ang paputok na maaaring magdulot ng paso, ng putok o ng sunog. Pumili po tayo ng mas ligtas na pampasaya,” Tamondong said.
She also reminded the public to keep first aid kits in their house or office, a bucket of water ready, closely supervise the children, and never allow them to handle sparklers or firecrackers.
Ann Katrina Dela Cruz, Senior Health Program Officer of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), also reminded the public about Executive Order No. 28, which regulates the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, promotes community fireworks displays, and prohibits certain firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices.
Dela Cruz also provided guidance on the first aid management of fireworks-related injuries.
“Fireworks-related injuries can range from minor skin burns to more severe internal and external injuries. It is essential to act quickly and appropriately to minimize harm,” she said.
For minor burns, she said that it is important to remove the victim from the burn source, remove the clothing over the burn area except if stuck to the skin, immerse the affected area in room-temperature water, apply burn ointment, and encourage the victim to drink plenty of fluids.
She emphasized that blisters of second-degree burns must not be pricked, and ice must not be applied directly to a burn because it can produce tissue ischemia.
For severe burns, assess the ABCs (airway, breathing, circulation) and manage accordingly, cover the burned area with a clean, loose sterile dressing, check the nose and mouth for soot and ash, and bring the victim to a health care facility.
In case of a wound, wash it with a large amount of clean water, control the bleeding by direct pressure using a clean dressing, for persistent bleeding, apply a second dressing over the first and use an elastic bandage, then bring the victim to a health care facility for wound suturing, anti-tetanus injections, and antibiotics.
For avulsion injuries, she recommended washing the area with a large amount of clean water, applying a pressure dressing, and bringing the victim to a health care facility.
For amputation, control the bleeding using pressure dressings, cover the detached part with a moist dressing and place it in a clean plastic bag with ice, apply a tourniquet to minimize or control massive bleeding, and bring the victim and the detached part to a health care facility.
In case of eye injury, do not rub or press the eye. Flush the eye gently with clean water, apply a loose shield, avoid further manipulation, and seek immediate medical attention for any eye injury.
For stray bullet injury, ensure your safety, call emergency hotline numbers, control the bleeding, and bring the victim to a health care facility.
The BGHMC had recorded 13 firework-related injuries from December 21, 2024 to January 6, 2025, of which, six were eye injuries, three blasts, three burns, and one abrasion. Nine of them were aged 7 to 16, and four were 24-26 years old. **DEG-PIA CAR