December is one of the months in which cases of injuries caused by gunpowder affect not only the population of Bogotá, but the entire country. According to data from the Bogotá Health Observatory, with a cut-off date of December 26 of this year, There are a total of 100 cases of injuries during festivities.
(See: Christmas without Gunpowder in Bogotá: the increase in injuries and victims is worrying)
During the season, the highest number of cases of injuries corresponded to the day of candles, that is, December 7, which had a total of 39 injuries, followed by the 8th of the same month, where 20 injuries were reported. In the case of Christmas and the holiday of the 25th, 8 and 12 cases were reported, respectively.
According to the Observatory, the total daily cases accumulated per season, It represents an increase of 14.94% compared to the previous period, which according to estimates had 87 injured.
(See more: How much can I be fined if I use gunpowder in Bogotá? We explain)
Likewise, reviewing the data, the cases by life cycle indicate that 66 of the injured correspond to people 18 years of age and older, while the remaining 34 are under 18 years of age. These last figures raise an alert, therefore, 14 injured are children of early childhood, that is, from 0 to 5 years old, while 9 are from 6 to 11 years old and 11 are adolescents from 12 to 17 years old.
Analyzing the comparison of cases by location, Suba registers the highest number of injuries this year with a total of 18 people, This has meant an increase of 28.57% compared to the previous period, which had accumulated 14 injuries.
(Read: These are the fines imposed by the Police for the sale of fireworks in the country)
Kennedy is followed with 15 injured, with an increase of 66.67% in burns, Well, in 2023 alone, 9 injuries had been identified by these dates. Also, there is Engativá with 11 cases and a growing variation of 37.50%.
Gunpowder burns
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According to Julián Fernández, Undersecretary of Public Health, it is important that people become aware and do not buy flares, totes, flyers and any type of gunpowder, taking into account that these devices are not harmless. “Gunpowder is dangerous and a burn from this device changes lives. Treat yourself to a New Year’s Eve with your family, sharing with joy at home and not in a hospital room.”, he indicated.
(Read more: Number of people burned by gunpowder decreased by 24% during the celebration of candles)
It should be noted that during this year’s season, 26 of those injured have been under the influence of alcohol, Just as 3 of the cases have involved minors in the company of an adult who has been drinking.
Now, another of the points presented in the document from the Bogotá Health Secretariat reflects that The hands are the anatomical place with the most accumulated cases to date and correspond to some 59 injuries. Also, the face is found with 26 injuries, the neck and eyes with 8 injuries each, and the trunk with 5.
(See also: The initiative launched by Antioquia to prevent gunpowder burns at the end of the year)
Likewise, of the total number of injuries, 96 are due to burns, while about 47 are due to lacerations. Bruises have injured 18, and eye damage has 8. In addition, 3 amputations have been performed.
Gunpowder burns
iStock
“We have one holiday left to celebrate: the New Year. We have the opportunity to be aware and think about the little ones, to be in solidarity with others. Gunpowder can not only cause tragedy to you, but to a loved one, a neighbor who is nearby, a friend who is watching you. We have a great responsibility as citizens. No More Gunpowder”, insisted Fernández.
(See: 2023 left the worst burn figures: regions where there was an increase in injuries)
Besides, The flyers are the main device that has affected citizens with 40 cases, Next, there are 16 cases due to totes, 4 due to volcanoes, 8 due to flares, 2 due to rockets and 2 due to fireworks. In addition, 51 of the injuries this year have been due to the manipulation of gunpowder, as well as 41 injuries have suffered accidents due to observation.
It is important to mention that, in accordance with what was said by the Ministry of Health, surveillance operations for gunpowder injuries and awareness days continue to be carried out in the city’s neighborhoods. to avoid the purchase and manipulation of pyrotechnic devices.
(Read: New measures announced for the use and marketing of gunpowder)
“Citizens are reminded that, if they are injured, they should go to the nearest medical center to be treated by a professional. Don’t let time pass, go immediately so the injury doesn’t get worse.”they suggest.
