Join the IAFF Burn Foundation Marine Corps Marathon Team!!!

"Hospitals Are Shutting Down Burn Centers"
"Study Findings on Burn Care Are Outlined in Reports From K. Marek and Colleagues"
"Researchers' Work >From Second Military Medical University Focuses on Burn Care"
"Study Results From Third Military Medical University Broaden Understanding of Gene Therapy"
"Summer Brings Spike in Burn Victims"
"Reports Summarize New Developments From Phylogica"
"Moving Beyond the Trauma Unit"
"Youth Burn Camp Has Been Helping Survivors for Almost Two Decades"
"Uluru Inc. Announces the Commencement of a Clinical Study in Burn Patients"
"Reports: iPod-Lighting Link Overblown"
"Easy-Bake Ovens Recalled"
"Alaska Joins Ranks of States to Require Fire-Safe Cigarettes"
"Union Camp Designed for Burn Victims"
"Young Burn Victims Take on Mount Kilimanjaro"
"Recovery Brings Stress, Bonds at Army Burn Unit"
"For Burned Troops, Stress and Deep Bonds"
"Fire Prevention and Safety Grants Announced"

Registration for the 2007 IAFF Burn Foundation Marathon Team is now open! Download your application today to be a part of this exclusive team. Spaces are limited and filling up quickly!

The Marine Corps Marathon is scheduled for October 28, 2007.

Runners accepted for the Fire Fighters Marathon Team are asked to raise a minimum of $1,000 each, with all proceeds benefiting the IAFF Burn Foundation. Funds raised directly support Foundation research, prevention and survivor support programs delivered throughout North America.
(click for web site)

"Hospitals Are Shutting Down Burn Centers"
Associated Press (08/08/07) Poovey, Bill

Experts say more and more hospitals nationwide are eliminating their burn centers, which may hurt the nation's ability to treat burn patients in case of major disasters. Reasons for eliminating burn centers include the high cost of maintaining them due to the need for specialists and complex equipment; it costs about $10,000 per day and takes about 50 days to treat a severely burned patient. Across the country, burn centers numbered 132 in 2004 but that number has fallen to 127, while the number of burn beds has fallen from 1,897 to 1,820, according to some estimates. However, the Department of Health and Human Services estimates that there are only 1,500 burn beds, of which the number of available beds on any given day is about 300 to 500. Some states like Mississippi and New Hampshire do not have any burn centers at all, and South Carolina has just a pediatric burn center. Dr. Alan R. Dimick says burn teams are necessary for treating burn patients. Specialized care givers are better able than regular doctors and nurses to reduce patients' pain, minimize complications, and encourage healing. Dimick hopes some of the disaster readiness funds allocated to hospitals by the federal government will be used for burn centers.

"Study Findings on Burn Care Are Outlined in Reports From K. Marek and Colleagues"
Telemedicine Week (08/07/07)

Researchers have confirmed the dependability of fibreoptic bronchoscopy as a method for diagnosing and treating inhalation burns during routine clinical practice, according to a report published in Burns. In the study, an initial evaluation revealed a hint of inhalation trauma in 292 burn patients. Fibreoptic bronchoscopy scores corroborated the suspected inhalation burn diagnoses in 261 patients out of the initial 292 patients. Lead researcher K. Marek explained that "The high agreement between the clinical suspicion of inhalation injury and the incidence confirmed by bronchoscopy and biopsies, suggest that the clinical indicators we use are reliable." Researchers diagnosed 111 patients with an upper respiratory tract burn, 130 patients with main respiratory tract damage, and 20 patients with lower respiratory tract inhalation trauma. The research group concluded that fibreoptic bronchoscopy is a valuable method for confirming diagnosis and therapy of inhalation burns in routine clinical practice, though the researchers warn that intubated patients with serious breathing problems should not undergo fibreoptic bronchoscopy.

"Researchers' Work From Second Military Medical University Focuses on Burn Care"
Life Science Weekly (08/07/07)

In August 2005, a Matsa typhoon struck Shanghai, China, causing a mass chemical burn incident, according to an article published in Burns. After the incident, which was the largest chemical burn occurrence in China in the last 20 years, the Burn Department of Shanghai Changhai Hospital rescued 118 alkali burn survivors with burns on their lower extremities. There were no fatalities; 58 patients were hospitalized, 42 of whom underwent surgery, and the majority of whom recovered in 30 days. A water solution of ammonium chloride and sodium hydroxide was the primary adverse chemical in the incident. After analyzing the incident's therapeutic data, researchers isolated key factors in effectively managing a mass casualty, even one comprised of burn survivors. These elements include precise evaluation of pathological conditions, an efficient command group, and pre-established strategizing for emergency treatment of mass burn patients. Moreover, specialized staff must participate in the emergency treatment of chemical burns, assert the researchers.

"Study Results From Third Military Medical University Broaden Understanding of Gene Therapy"
Pharma Business (08/07)

A study published in the journal Burns reports that antisense p38 alpha gene transfection reduces myocardial cell injury caused by severe burns. Myocardial damage happens directly following serious burns, even before substantial blood volume loss. The condition is also known as post-burn "shock heart" or "cardiac shock," though the phenomenon's origins and development remain obscure. However, researchers found that hypoxia and burn serum-mediated myocardial cell injury can be mitigated by transfection of antisense p38 alpha gene. The results point to a new approach to the prevention and treatment of post-burn myocardial damage.

"Summer Brings Spike in Burn Victims"
Burlington Free Press (VT) (08/02/07) Melloni, Julia

Doctors at Fletcher Allen Health Care witness a rise in serious burns during the summertime because individuals ignite brush piles with flammable liquids such as gasoline. Fumes and gas catch fire much more quickly than people expect, says Carter Freiburg of Fletcher Allen. In addition, gas hovers slightly above the ground; when fumes ignite, the fumes' flash can travel quite far. Residents of rural areas who want to burn brush should first consult their municipality regarding acquiring a permit. Residents should also follow fire safety precepts, such as keeping the brush pile small, keeping water nearby, and never employing ignitable liquids.

"Reports Summarize New Developments From Phylogica"
Pharma Law Weekly (07/31/07)

In a new study, the Australian drug discovery company Phylogica Ltd. has demonstrated the effectiveness of Phylomer burn drugs in substantially speeding up wound healing. According to the data, full thickness burns heal much faster when treated with Phylomer drugs than when left untreated. This is also important in that healing speed is a key element in diminishing scarring. In addition, the Phylomer drugs were found to decrease the number of skin cells that die near the edge of the wound after a burn injury. Indeed, the results were so strong that Phylogica has finalized a commercialization pact with the McComb Foundation of Perth, which directed the trials.

"Moving Beyond the Trauma Unit"
Atlanta Journal-Constitution (07/29/07) P. 6B; King, Mike

Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Ga., is in the midst of a financial crisis that has prompted state officials to look into whether it should receive state funding. A legislative study committee has been created by state House Speaker Glenn Richardson (R-Hiram) to study trauma care--a service that results in an annual loss of $40 million for the hospital--with the findings to be submitted by year's end. Supporters of the hospital insist that other specialty services should be examined as well, and they are pushing for the recalculation of the hospital's state Medicaid reimbursements. There are only two burn-treatment units in Georgia, one of which is located at Grady. Observers note that the hospital incurs substantial costs associated with wound infection prevention and burn rehabilitation. The hospital will not receive funding from the state any time soon, considering that state lawmakers do not meet again until January.

"Youth Burn Camp Has Been Helping Survivors for Almost Two Decades"
ABC7 Chicago (07/29/07) Meyer, Karen

Young burn survivors in Illinois enjoy attending a week-long summer camp sponsored by the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and supported by Illinois fire fighters. In June 2007, 85 children between the ages of eight and 16 took buses to YMCA Camp Duncan on Fox Lake. The camp, which offers traditional camp activities, is free. At camp, the young burn survivors develop strong friendships and are able to play unselfconsciously. Illinois fire fighters donate both time and money to the camp. Fire fighters Clarence Norwood of Chicago and Jeff Hinkens of Linwood have been volunteering at the camp for seven years and nine years, respectively.

"Uluru Inc. Announces the Commencement of a Clinical Study in Burn Patients"
CNN Money (07/26/07)

ULURU has launched a clinical study at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to gather data on the effectiveness of its patented Hydrogel Nanoparticle Wound Dressing in treating severely burned joints. The study will compare the new technology to burns treated with the standard commercial dressing. Comprehensive preclinical studies have demonstrated that the ULURU Hydrogel Nanoparticle Wound Dressing stays supple and in close contact with the wound bed. By doing so, the ULURU dressing preserves a moist wound environment for nearly a month. Because physical therapy and other everyday activities can be difficult for patients with injured joints, the creation of a flexible dressing that remains intact during movement is a significant clinical improvement, says Dr. Rod Rohrich of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

"Reports: iPod-Lighting Link Overblown"
University Wire (07/20/07) Xiong, Zhi

A Canadian jogger was reportedly struck by lightning in July while wearing an iPod, according to the New England Journal of Medicine, with injuries including burns that mimicked the headphone cords and a broken jaw. The story drew much media attention about the dangers of using iPods during thunderstorms, but some experts do not think the lightning strike can be attributed to the device. "The association of the iPod and the amount of damage is not causation," explains Robert Lewis of the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Burn Treatment Center. Reports indicate the jogger was hit by a "side flash" produced when lightning struck a tree, with Lewis insisting the jogger's proximity to the strike could have caused such injuries whether or not an iPod was in use. Donna Dubberke of the National Weather Center says lightning's temperature of more than 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit indicates a scale "so much larger than that of a headphone and iPod."

"Easy-Bake Ovens Recalled"
USA Today (07/20/07) P. 7B; O'Donnell, Jayne

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently stated that approximately 1 million of Hasbro's Easy-Bake Ovens are in the process of being recalled due to dozens of kids being burned. The famous toy has been connected to approximately 280 cases in which children got hands caught in the door opening. This is the second time this year Hasbro has issued such a recall, with the last one coming in this year's first quarter after 29 instances of burnings. At that time, the Rhode Island-based toy manufacturer offered a retrofit fix. This time around, Hasbro has provided postage-paid boxes for consumers to return the product and is also offering $32 worth of vouchers that can be used to purchase other company toy merchandise. None of the newly reported cases involved Easy-Bakes with the retrofit. CPSC officials are now urging consumers who bought Easy-Bake Ovens since May of last year to cease using them and get in touch with Hasbro's customer-service department for instructions on how to return them and receive their coupons.

"Alaska Joins Ranks of States to Require Fire-Safe Cigarettes"
Anchorage Daily News (07/19/07) P. A1; Bluemink, Elizabeth

A new law requiring Alaska's retailers to sell fire-safe cigarettes will go into effect in November 2008. The law, which was passed by the state legislature in May, was officially signed by Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on July 18. Cigarettes are responsible for fires that kill an average of about four people per year in Alaska, the state Division of Fire Protection says. Senior citizens account for about 40 percent of the victims who are killed in such fires.

"Union Camp Designed for Burn Victims"
WFSB.com (Conn.) (07/19/07)

The Children's Burn Camp in Union, Conn., provides a great atmosphere for young burn survivors to have fun and build confidence. The camp is open every summer to burn survivors from ages eight to 18. This year's 67 participants come from all over the world and attend for free since the camp is funded completely by charitable donations. It is also staffed by 70 volunteers, many of whom are fire fighters who give up their vacation time to lend a helping hand.

"Young Burn Victims Take on Mount Kilimanjaro"
SABC News (07/17/07)

A group of 16 young burn survivors is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in hopes of increasing the visibility of child burn survivors. The group of burn survivors and fire fighters was honored by the eThekwini Mayor, Obed Mlaba.

"Recovery Brings Stress, Bonds at Army Burn Unit"
USA Today (07/15/07) Cohen, Sharon

At Brooke Army Medical Center's burn center, every small step toward recovery for its patients are celebrated. Civilians also have access to the state-of-the-art facility at Fort Sam Houston, but most patients these days are wounded soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan. The burn center, which is the only one of its kind among military facilities, has treated more than 570 soldiers thus far, and an overwhelming majority have survived, to yield a new population of burn survivors, many with injuries that will last a lifetime, says Dr. Evan Renz, a surgeon at Brooke. Better body armor for troops, fast evacuations to hospitals in war zones, and the high-quality treatment provided in Germany and the United States enable many burned soldiers to make it to Brooke. Special teams from Brooke fly to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany to bring back the most severe cases, and perform some emergencies in midair. Sgt. Shane Elder used to aid wounded soldiers in Iraq, but now the former medic serves as an occupational therapist's assistant at Brooke, helping burn survivors to face their fears and realize that they are no longer the same person they were before. He tells them: "If anything, you're a stronger person. ... Get back out there."

"For Burned Troops, Stress and Deep Bonds"
Mercury News (07/15/07) Cohen, Sharon

Doctors, nurses, and staff members at the Brooke Army Medical Center's burn center offer compassionate and dedicated care to the military burn survivors treated there, and remain as inspired by patient recoveries as they are saddened by those who pass away. The burn center primarily treats soldiers returning from Iraq, and has treated over 570 soldiers to date, with a 94 percent survival rate. Today, soldiers can be flown from Iraq to San Antonio in three days, compared to the 12 days the transport took during Desert Storm and the 17 days it took during Vietnam. Once burn survivors arrive, skin grafts are typically performed within 24 hours to fend off infection. When Dr. Kevin Chung needs encouragement, he thinks of Sgt. Merlin German, the most seriously burned patient Chung ever saved. German, a former Marine turret gunner, was almost killed by a roadside bomb, and had burns covering 97 percent of his body. German was in intensive care for nearly a year and underwent 40 surgeries. Not only did German survive against all odds, he learned to walk again and was even able to dance with his mother at the December 2006 Brooke Holiday Ball.

"Fire Prevention and Safety Grants Announced"
Firehouse.com (07/13/07)

The Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency has announced the next 16 Fire Prevention and Safety grants. The grants, worth over $1 million, are only a portion of the $27 million that will eventually be given out under the fiscal year 2006 program. Organizations or fire departments receiving these grants will use them to combat fire-related injuries including burns, encourage fire prevention, and advance fire fighter health and safety.

The inclusion of articles in the IAFF Burn Foundation Briefing does not imply the IAFF or IAFF Burn Foundation's endorsement of their content nor any particular organizations or programs highlighted in these articles. Articles are intended to increase awareness of media coverage of topics relevant to our community and are provided for informational purposes only.

© Copyright 2007 INFORMATION, INC.

Subscribe | Change E-mail | Unsubscribe