firecracker wounds | Yam's Files

I hope the health department will gain public support in its quest to push for the banning on individual use of fireworks/firecrackers as it push for a community display of fireworks to bring down the number of fireworks/firecrackers related incidents and casualties.

This means that LGUs should identify safe areas for community fireworks display and that with the imposition of the ban, only certain accredited organizations will be allowed to purchase these fireworks. This will further encourage development of legitimate firework manufacturers while discouraging fly-by-night manufacturers.

Health Secretary Enrique Ona explained that that the proposed ban will be a win-win solution because it will not result in the displacement of people in the fireworks industry and at the same time reduce preventable injuries due to fireworks/firecracker use. This option will be further discussed during consultations after the holidays.

Also, the DOH is urging church leaders to encourage their parishioners not to use fireworks/firecrackers in welcoming the New Year.

â€œThere are more ways to be happy in welcoming the New Year. An injury in the family will not make our New Year happier,â€ Ona said.

Should a referendum be conducted today to support the community fireworks display, will you vote YES?

Source: DOH Press Release

Do not take for granted small wounds or scratch you incurred from an accidental firecracker and fireworks explosion. Innocent looking wounds can cause tetanus infection.

Clostridium tetani, is an acute bacterial disease causing rigidity and spasms of the voluntary muscles can easily enter the body even through a small scratch on the skin.

The bacteria is usually present in soil that has not been exposed to sunlight and in manures of horse, cow and carabao.

Presence of said bacteria is found in patients with firecracker or fireworks-related wound or injuries.

Previous studies revealed that horse manure is being used as expander by fireworks and firecracker manufacturer.

The incubation period of tetanus could be as short as one day to usually five to 21 days. But there is the so-called delayed setting of infection. These are wound that were not treated and have already healed.

Tetanus infection is often fatal. About 95 to 99 percent of the patients died from its complications. But recovery rate is also high if the infection is treated immediately.

Patients are given anti-tetanus immunoglobulin and tetanus toxoid vaccines as treatment.

Take note of the following signs and symptoms if you do have these innocent looking wounds.

Stiffness of the jaw muscles
Severe muscle spasms
Difficulty in breathing and swallowing.

If you worry that you might have the infection, seek medical help immediately.