PHO-Aklan starts fireworks-related incidents surveillance

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The Provincial Health Office (PHO-Aklan) has activated its firecrackers and fireworks-related surveillance to monitor incidents and injuries in the province of Aklan ahead of New Year’s Eve celebration. 

Private and public hospitals and health centers will monitor  any untoward incidents from December 21 until January 5, 2019, according to Provincial Health Officer I Dr. Cornelio Cuachon, Jr.  

All government and private facilities are also placed under ‘code white alert’, meaning hospital staff and doctors are ready to respond and to provide medical services in case of mass casualty incidents that may occur. 

So far, no firecrackers injuries, fireworks ingestion or stray bullet incidents were reported by public and private hospitals in Aklan from December 25 to 26.   Currently, the Department of Health (DoH) recorded 24 incidents nationwide this holiday season, and most of the victims were children.  

Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 28 to regulate and control the use of firecrackers by designating community fireworks display under the supervision of Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of Iwas Paputok government campaign.

 

Cuachon urged the public to be ‘extra vigilant’ and to coordinate with barangay officials for the designated firecracker zones.

He also reminded the parents and the children not to pick up unexploded firecrackers to avoid harm.  

In case of firecrackers-related injuries, consult the nearest hospitals, clinics or health center for proper wound treatment.