 |
| DOH APIR Campaign with Sec. Enrique T. Ona |
It is really embarrassing to have missing fingers and other physical deformities after the holiday celebrations because of using firecrackers, said Joeffry Espiritu, Capiz health education and promotions officer.
The Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction, or APIR, Reloaded campaign has as a model the complete set of fingers, representing five reminders to prevent injury and five suggestions to keep safe while celebrating the holidays.
The reminders included the following:
- Fireworks cause injuries and endanger health.
- Children should not use any fireworks.
- Keep safe and away from exploding fireworks.
- Never pick used fireworks; and
- Seek immediate medical treatment for all firework injuries.
The DOH had come up with posters showing images of firecracker-related injuries to discourage the use of firecrackers during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Records from the Provincial Health Office showed that in 2011, 29 were injured by firecrackers and improvised canons or boga, including 18 blast burns with no amputation and 11 eye injuries.
In line with the campaign, the reporting of firecracker-related injuries started on December 21 and will end on January 5.
Media interviews and dialogues with municipal health officers were also held early this month as part of the intensified APIR drive. (Alex Lumaque, PIA-6 Capiz/PN)
