DOH on tetanus alert for firecracker victims

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) has asked New Year revelers not to ignore slight burns and and small cuts from firecracker injuries, saying this could lead to tetanus.

Acting Health Secretary Janette Garin noted that people tend to ignore minor injuries from firecracker blasts, not knowing that these are prone to tetanus.

“First of all, we don’t encourage the use of firecrackers. There are alternative noise-making devices that can be used in celebrating the New Year. There’s no safe firecracker and fireworks,” she said.

Garin also advised revelers to celebrate the New Year but drink moderately.

She warned that acute pancreatitis or bangungot occurs among males with history of too much drinking the day before a pancreatitis attack, which may lead to death.

DOH consultant Minguita Padilla said firecrackers are made up of gunpowder and contain animal manure that may have the bacteria Clostridium testani, which causes tetanus.

“Firecracker injuries usually have particles such as cement and soil as a result of the surface on which they are exploded. All of these make firecrackers injuries dirty and dangerous,” Padilla said.

She said minor firecracker injuries and cuts should be washed with soap and clean running water.

Padilla added firecracker victims should get anti-tetanus shots to prevent infection.

If the eyes are irritated from firecrackers, she said clean water may be used to wash them out.

“But if there is damage to the cornea, go to hospital right away. Don’t attempt to remove particles on the eye with cotton or other means as it may cause materials to get more embedded,” Padilla explained.

If the victim has swallowed a firecracker or its elements, have him drink raw egg whites. The DOH recommends eight to 12 egg whites for an adult and six to eight for a child.

“Do not give oil, do not induce vomiting and avoid giving oxygen as this may cause explosion,” Padilla said.