The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday reported 88 fireworks-related injuries, including the first case of firecracker watusi ingestion, ahead of the New Year's Eve celebration.
In a statement, DOH said the case is a 4-year-old boy from CALABARZON who accidentally swallowed watusi at home.
Watusi, a firecracker barely the size of a pinky finger, contains yellow phosphorus, potassium chlorate, potassium nitrate, and trinitrotoluene. Children often mistake watusi as a candy due to their size, according to the DOH.
Trinitrotoluene, on the other hand, also known as “TNT” is a material commonly found in deadly explosives.
First Aid
The DOH advised that if a watusi was swallowed, do not induce vomiting. Instead, children may be given 6-8 raw egg whites; for adults, 8-12 raw egg whites. They must also bring the patient immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room.
If caught in the eye, it is advised to immediately wash with clean water for at least 15 minutes. Keep eyelids open and seek immediate medical assistance.
If skin is affected, immediately wash affected areas with plenty of clean water and remove contaminated clothing (make sure it is washed before re-use). Seek medical attention.
If inhaled, let the patient breathe in clean and fresh air and keep him/her comfortable. Seek urgent medical assistance.
As of Thursday, a total of 88 FWRI were recorded by the DOH, with three out of every ten cases or 31 incidents coming from the National Capital Region (NCR).
NCR is followed by Central Luzon with 11 cases; Ilocos Region with 10 cases; Bicol Region with five cases; Davao Region with five cases and Soccsksargen with 5 cases.
The DOH said that among the 13 newly logged cases of FWRI, the victims are in the age range of 5 to 49 years old. Of these, 12 incidents happened at home and on the streets, while five cases involved illegal fireworks.
