PNP issues firecracker guidelines

In the countdown to year 2002, the Philippine National Police (PNP) issued guidelines yesterday on how to handle dangerous firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices.

Senior Superintendent Ernesto Belen Jr., PNP Firearms and Explosives Division chief, said that since the public cannot be stopped from welcoming the New Year with a bang, it is imperative for everybody to know how to handle pyrotechnics to prevent loss of life and limb.

At the Department of Health, Secretary Manuel Dayrit has strongly advised the public against the use of firecrackers during the holiday season to prevent injuries, the treatment for which could cost at least P1,000.

"Even without hospitalization, treatment for blast injuries will cost a minimum of P1,000," Dayrit disclosed.

The PNP guidelines on the handling of firecrackers for New Year revelers are:

• Do not hold firecrackers while lighting them.

• Do not light more than one device at a time.

• Do not pick up dud firecrackers.

• Do not bend directly over pyrotechnic devices like "fountains and crying cows" while lighting them.

• Do not explode firecrackers near flammable substances.

• Don’t attempt to explode a firecracker indoors, as it could cause a fire.

• Do not store firecrackers near flammable substance or materials.

• Do not allow children to handle fireworks.

• Do not light and throw pyrotechnics in the direction of people, passing vehicles or combustible objects.

• Do not use calcium carbide (kalburo) or other combustible liquids in firing bamboo cannons.

• Do not use firecrackers while under the influence of liquor.

• Do not light firecrackers under containers that tend to explode and produce splinters or shrapnel.

• Do not light "kwitis," "trompillo," or similar devices under electric wires or covered places.

Meanwhile, Dayrit explained that the cost for treating firecracker-induced injuries will cover the disinfecting and cleaning of wounds, medical supplies like sutures, anesthetics, painkillers, gauze, antibiotics and anti-tetanus shots. The estimated P1,000 does not yet include the doctor’s professional fee.

For patients requiring operation and confinement, the cost may increase to P5,000 depending on the severity of injuries, complications and subsequent operations.

Hospital stay may extend to over a month for treating complications like sepsis, development of tetanus and disability.

Notwithstanding the costs, Dayrit assured that all government hospitals are prepared to care for the injured and to prevent complications like tetanus.

Dayrit revealed that most victims of these firecracker-related injuries do not seek immediate medical attention, an oversight which he said can prove fatal.

The Department of Health is spearheading "Oplan: Iwas Paputok, Sandaling Kasiyahan, Buong Buhay Mong Pagdudusahan," which aims to further reduce the number of victims from the traditional New Year revelry.

According to the National Epidemiology Center of the DOH, there were 1,568 reported cases of fireworks-related injuries in January 2000. In January 2001, there were 1,325 reported cases, representing a 15 percent reduction.

DOH statistics indicated that most firecracker-related injuries rise during Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and on New Year’s Day when children pick up unlighted, unused firecrackers.

To avoid injuries, the DOH is encouraging local governments to advocate for an organized fireworks display in a designated area, reminding parents to strictly prohibit children from using watusi, and advising everyone to drink moderately and to avoid using firecrackers if inebriated.

"We can make some noise even without the aid of firecrackers. Stay alive, whole and healthy welcoming the New Year," Dayrit said.