Boy, 7, is first case of fireworks victim requiring amputation

December 26, 2019

A seven-year-old boy from General Trias, Cavite became the first case of a blast injury requiring amputation ahead of New Year's Eve celebration.

Based on the Department of Health (DOH) Fireworks-Related Injury Surveillance 2019 Report No. 5, there are 19 firecracker-related injuries, as of December 26, including a boy whose left hand was mangled.

"He was an active user injured by an unknown firework on December 24 and sought consultation at UP-PGH the same day," said the report.

"He was diagnosed of mangled left hand secondary to blast injury. His left ring and small fingers were amputated," it furthered.

Including the amputee, the DOH reported there are a total of 19 firecracker-related injuries reported since December 21

"This is 11 (37 percent) cases lower compared to 2018," said the DOH. 

All 19 were injuries caused by firecrackers, including the 11 blast/burn not requiring amputation, and 7 eye injuries. 

Regions with the most number of cases came from the National Capital Region (4); Ilocos Region (3); and Calabarzon (3). DMS