DOH-7 set to launch Iwas Paputok campaign

The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-7) is launching the Iwas Paputok campaign today (December 6) as part of the National Health Emergency Preparedness Day.

The Iwas Paputok campaign aims to decrease firework-related injuries during the holidays not only through legislated policies but also through public awareness.

According to the DOH data, a 27 percent decrease of fire-related injuries was seen nationwide on 2017 compared to 2016, with a 16.6 percent decrease in Central Visayas.

A total of 47 percent decrease of fire-related injuries was seen nationwide in 2017 compared to the last five years.

Dr. Shelbay Blanco, DOH-7 Health and Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) coordinator, said that they were hoping to further decrease the number of firework related injuries and casualties through an intensive campaign.

“Dapat regulated na ang fireworks (the fireworks should be regulated) and controlled to avoid casualties and injuries,” said Blanco during the during the Philippine Information Agency-7 (PIA-7) forum in Cebu City yesterday (December 5).

He encouraged the public to follow the regulations for the fireworks such as buying accredited fireworks and using them in designated community lots.

DOH-7 will also be conducting basic life training in schools and local government units in December to train responders for any emergency during the holidays.

“Every household should have someone who knows how to deliver CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation),” said Blanco.

Blanco said that hospitals nationwide will be on white alert starting December 21 to January 5.

The white alert would entail placing all hospital staff on an on-call status including its nursing and administrative staff residing at the hospital dormitory.

DOH-7 still aims for a zero casualty during the holidays and expects an even lower number of injuries this year following the strict regulation of the local government units.