Personnel of public hospitals have been placed on standby for holiday-related cases such as firecracker accidents, said a provincial health official.

Provincial Health Office head Dr. Reymoses Cabagnot told DYRD Balita that provincial and district hospitals are preparing for the possible rise in firecracker-related injuries during the celebration of Christmas and New Year.

Cabagnot reminded hospital officials that medical personnel should always be present to attend to emergencies during the holidays.

Although taking leaves of absence are permitted, personnel were told to adjust shifts to make sure that patients, particularly those injured by firecracker accidents, are taken care of.

Cabagnot also urged the public to skip the use of firecrackers altogether in hopes to minimize, if not to completely avoid, such accidents.

Last year, there was only one reported case of fireworks-related injury in Bohol. (Rey Tutas)