SAN FERNANDO CITY, Dec.30 (PIA) –The Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center is prepared and equipped to accommodate possible patients with fireworks-related injuries as we welcome the forthcoming new year on Saturday.

According to Ferdinand Balagot, nurse supervisor of ITRMC’s emergency room, enough human resources and sufficient medical supplies were prepared for cases of FWRIs.

“Actually, Dec.21 pa lamang po ay may mga naitalaga na tayong nurses, doctors, and other medical staff na tututok sa FWRIs,” Balagot shared in an interview.

The health facility also offers free transportation assistance for patients within the five-kilometer radius who have or will have emergency cases like FWRIs.

“Para sa mga pasyente sa loob ng 5-km radius na walang masasakyan ay pwedeng sunduin ng ating team para madala sa ITRMC,” Balagot said.

In case of emergency, individuals may ask for said free hospital service through hotline numbers: 072-607-6418 or 072-607-6422 for landline while its 09105635520 for Smart subscribers and 09158554459 for Globe users.

ITRMC’s five-kilometer radius covers areas like Brgy. Lingsat in this city and Brgy. Quinavite in Bauang town.

Further, Balagot encourages the public to deviate from the tradition and avoid using firecrackers or pyrotechnics in welcoming 2022 to prevent possible untoward incidents and alleviate or zero the number of FWRIs commonly recorded yearly.

“Huwag na sanang gumamit ng paputok dahil may mga alternatibo naman na pwedeng gawin o gamitin gaya ng pagpapatugtog ng malakas o panonood ng fireworks display para maiwasan ang mga aksidente,” he said.

He added, “May mga scenario na yung pasyenteng naputukan na noong nakaraan ay siya uli ang pasyenteng may FWRI sa panibagong taon.”

In such cases, Balagot also reminds the public to give the proper first aid among patients with FWRIs and bring them immediately to the nearest hospital for medication. (JCR/CGC, PIA La Union)