Public advised not to ignore slightest firecracker burns

MANILA, Philippines - The public was advised yesterday that even the smallest wounds or burns from firecracker blasts could cause tetanus.

Dr. Eric Tayag, National Epidemiology Center (NEC) director, said tetanus may lead to death if left untreated.

Materials used to make firecrackers are usually dirty so infection could easily develop in the wounds or burns, he added.

Tayag urged people to see a doctor when they sustain burns and injuries from firecrackers.

Revelers have died from tetanus after suffering from slight burns and wounds that had not been treated, he added.

Tayag said second degree burns should be immersed in cold water or in water with ice, dried and wrapped in gauze.

To stop bleeding, pressure must be put on the wound and the affected area elevated to regulate blood circulation before bringing the victim to the hospital, he added.

Tayag said those suffering from firecracker poisoning must drink five beaten eggs to coat their gastro-intestinal tract to prevent it from being punctured.

“It is not an antidote, but it will coat the gastrointestinal tract and the firecrackers will not stick to them,” he said.

“Otherwise, the intestines will be punctured leading to death.”

Data from the NEC showed that from Dec. 21 to 31, 231 firecracker-related injuries were reported to the Department of Health’s (DOH) sentinel hospitals nationwide.

Records showed 177 of the injuries were caused by illegal fireworks, with 117 of them from the seemingly harmless piccolo.

The DOH had registered nine cases of stray bullet injuries and five poisoning cases from piccolo and pop-up ingestions.