Quezon City residents appear to have taken heed of warnings on the dangers of using firecrackers to welcome the New Year, as records from the East Avenue Medical Center (EAMC) show a continued decline in firework-related injuries compared to previous years.
Dr. John Paul Rener, EAMC spokesperson, said the hospital recorded 14 firecracker-related injuries as of noontime on 1 January.
Rener said the injuries ranged from facial burns to eye trauma. Among those treated were four victims injured by various types of pyrotechnics.
He added that a young girl was struck in the left eye by a “lusis,” while a 46-year-old man and another woman were injured by fountain-type fireworks. A young boy also suffered gunpowder burns to his face.
According to hospital records, the final patient admitted before the 2025 countdown was a 22-year-old man from Payatas who sustained a severe eye injury while inspecting a “boga” that failed to discharge.
Rener noted that EAMC has been tracking cases since the start of the holiday peak, adding that as early as 21 December, the hospital had already recorded seven firework-related injuries.
He said the hospital continues to monitor admitted patients and remains prepared for possible injuries that typically arrive in the aftermath of New Year celebrations.
Rener added that EAMC remains under Code White, a high-alert status that ensures all medical personnel are ready to immediately respond to emergency cases related to the festivities.
"The hospital made sure na enough 'yung manpower sa hospital. So there are around 800 personnel right now in the hospital who are on duty… Kasama na diyan 'yung mga doctors, nurses, mga allied health professionals, tsaka 'yung mga administrative staff," Rener said.