"Firefighters Donate Tool to Help NRGH Burn Victims"
"Firefighter Helps Victims"
"New Research on Burn Care From American University of Beirut Summarized"
"Reports on Burn Care Findings >From People's Hospital Provide New Insights"
"The Reported Effects of Bullying on Burn-Surviving Children"
"Home Safety Council's 'Hot' Topics for Summer: Backyard Safety and Home Security"
"Research From Johns Hopkins University, U.S. Provides New Scientific Insights"
"Emu Oil Offers Hope to Burn Victims"
"A Silver Impregnated Antimicrobial Dressing Reduces Hospital Length of Stay for Pediatric Patients With Burns"
"Burn Camp Builds Friendships and Confidence"
"With Fire Pits, Common Sense Can Avert Disaster"
"St. Joseph Expands Burn, Wound Centers"
"Hot Water From the Tap Can Burn; Experts Advise Setting Temperature at 49 C"
"Burn Victim Gets New Eyebrows"
"Fire Department Offers Home Safety Tips"
"Comparison of Fibrin Sealant and Staples for Attaching Split-Thickness Autologous Sheet Grafts in Patients With Deep Partial- or Full-Thickness ..."

"Firefighters Donate Tool to Help NRGH Burn Victims"
Nanaimo Daily News (07/10/07) Tropea, Martha

The B.C. Professional Fire Fighters have made a valuable contribution to the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) in the form of a Zimmer Air Dermatome, a tool for treating burn patients. Martin Drakeley, a Nanaimo fire fighter and a board member of the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund, bestowed a $10,000 check for the machine to NRGH doctors, whose current air dermatome requires four hours for sterilization. The new equipment will enable doctors to offer timely care to burn survivors and will allow the doctors to care for more burn patients each day. The B.C. Professional Fire Fighters gave $5,000 toward the purchase of the equipment.

"Firefighter Helps Victims"
Nanaimo Daily News (07/10/07)

Fire fighter Umesh Lal is just one of many volunteers helping run the B.C. Professional Fire Fighters Association's annual Burn Camp. Every summer the camp helps burn survivors between the ages of six and 18 have a great time and just be themselves.

"New Research on Burn Care From American University of Beirut Summarized"
Life Science Weekly (07/10/07)

A study published in the journal Burns shows that over the past 30 years there have been a number of advances in the aggressiveness of surgical treatments for burn survivors. Split-thickness skin autografts remain the most popular and successful technique. For patients with large surface area burns there is also now a greater promise of treatment, thanks to research on human keratinocyte cultures. Although there are still a number of concerns to be addressed with this method of grafting, scientists are hopeful. Researchers have learned to create large quantities of epithelium from a tiny skin biopsy over a period of three or four weeks.

"Reports on Burn Care Findings From People's Hospital Provide New Insights"
Pharma Law Weekly (07/10/07)

Researchers in the People's Republic of China discovered that systematic inflammatory reaction syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis incidence in second-degree burn patients may be reduced through the application of xenogenic acellular dermal matrix. In the study, which was published in Burns, 72 burn patients were divided into four groups, two of which received acellular dermal matrix treatment and two of which acted as controls; control group patients' burns were covered with betadine ointment gauzes. After measuring the serum level of C-reactive protein (CRP) on days 4, 7, and 14 post-burn, researchers found that the patients receiving acellular dermal matrix therapy had substantially lower CRP serum levels than their counterparts in the control groups. The researchers concluded that because xenogenic acellular dermal matrix application can diminish CRP serum levels, the treatment may play an important part in inhibiting the incidence of SIRS and sepsis.

"The Reported Effects of Bullying on Burn-Surviving Children"
Journal of Burn Care & Research (06/01/2007) Rimmer, Ruth B.; Foster, Kevin N.; Bay, Curtis R.

Of the children surveyed for a new study examining the impact of bullying on children burn survivors, 61 percent admitted to being harassed at school, 25 percent said they developed stomachaches and headaches as a result of the run-ins, and 12 percent reported staying home from school. Almost 25 percent of participants said bullying was a major problem. Of the respondents with noticeable disfigurements, 68 percent said bullying was a problem, compared with 54 percent of children with scars that were concealed. Interestingly, the study found that children with visible scars were no more likely to notify someone (54 percent) when they were bullied than those without visible scars (56 percent). Overall, the study found that bullying leaves children with burn injuries with negative perceptions of their physical appearance and adversely impacts their mental health.

"Home Safety Council's 'Hot' Topics for Summer: Backyard Safety and Home Security"
Home Safety Council (07/03/07)

For families grilling in the backyard this summer, the Home Safety Council offers suggestions for staying safe. Grills should be placed a minimum of three feet from houses, bushes, and other objects. Grills should never be used indoors or inside an unventilated area, as doing so would be both a carbon monoxide poisoning risk and a fire hazard. When grilling over charcoal, only use starter fluid developed specifically for barbecue grills. Before starting a gas grill, confirm that the link between the propane tank and the fuel line is operating correctly and not leaking. If a leak is suspected, turn off the gas immediately. Do not use the grill until the leak is fixed. Moreover, never use a match to hunt for leaks. Long-handled tools and barbeque mitts are good protection against contact burns. Children and pets should be kept away from the grill until the equipment has fully cooled.

"Research From Johns Hopkins University, U.S. Provides New Scientific Insights"
Hospital Business Week (07/01/07)

A new study by doctors at Johns Hopkins University has found that between 23 percent and 26 percent of burn survivors suffer from some form of depression during hospitalization. Researchers also discovered that depression symptoms seem to have a negative effect on patient health after they are released. Patients were physically and mentally evaluated after one week in the hospital, and again two months after their release. The study results lead researchers to recommend that all burn survivors undergo testing for depression.

"Emu Oil Offers Hope to Burn Victims"
Wisconsin Ag Connection (06/25/07)

Some doctors say that emu oil shows promise as a recovery aid when added to burn survivors' treatment programs. Dr. Dan Dean says that emu oil greatly enhances the health of skin for first-, second-, and third-degree burns. The fatty acid components of emu oil are said to be similar to the fatty acids required by human skin. Some doctors say that the acids may reduce the extent of burn patients' treatments and may encourage new skin to grow.

"A Silver Impregnated Antimicrobial Dressing Reduces Hospital Length of Stay for Pediatric Patients With Burns"
Journal of Burn Care & Research (06/01/2007) Vol. 28, No. 3, P. 409; Paddock, Heather N.; Fabia, Renata; Giles, Sheila

Researchers have discovered a treatment that reduces the amount of time burn patients need to stay in the hospital. The new therapy, called Aquacel Ag, is an antimicrobial bandage infused with silver. In clinical trials Aquacel was found to allow burn survivors to be released in about four days--about four days earlier, on average, than the control group, who were treated with a silver sulfadiazine cream called SSD.

"Burn Camp Builds Friendships and Confidence"
WCAV-TV 19 (Charlottesville, VA) (06/22/07) Holmes, Whitney

Young burn survivors who attend the Central Virginia Burn Camp make friends and have fun while also improving their self-esteem. The camp was founded 14 years ago by Leslie Baruch, an occupational therapist at the University of Virginia. Baruch explains that being around other survivors has the power to change a young burn survivor's perspective. As camper Brandon Trice explains, "You can cope with what they are going through and you don't have to look around to get a friend." Seeing the campers' confidence grow as they return year after year is especially rewarding for Baruch. And though the camp has an upper age limit of 17 years old, older campers can return as counselors. The camp is free for all participants, thanks to donations of money, time, and activity items like boats.

"With Fire Pits, Common Sense Can Avert Disaster"
Asbury Park Press (NJ) (06/21/07) Mullen, Shannon

Fire safety experts assert that fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces are safe to use, so long as owners adhere to manufacturers' safety guidelines and employ common sense. In recent years, there have been several fires due to owners neglecting to keep sand in the chimineas' base. In addition, it is vital to separate chimineas or fire pits from homes or other buildings by at least 15 feet, or else sparks and embers can set fire to walls or eaves. Fire pits and chimineas should be situated atop a nonflammable surface, like a fireproof mat. Burning green leaves or tree clippings is another common error, as they generate extreme amounts of smoke. Pressure-treated wood can discharge toxic chemicals into the air, as well. The New Jersey Division of Fire Safety specifies that noncooking fires must be able to vent smoke; therefore chimineas, which have chimneys, are allowed. However, fire pits do not have similar venting features, causing some fire professionals to wonder if fire pits comply with state regulation. Meanwhile, homeowners should request guidance from their local fire prevention bureau, because municipalities may have stricter fire safety codes than the state.

"St. Joseph Expands Burn, Wound Centers"
Fort Wayne News-Sentinel (IN) (06/20/07) Boen, Jennifer L.

St. Joseph Hospital of Fort Wayne, Ind., will undergo a relocation and expansion of its burn and wound facilities at a cost of $6 million, according to plans announced on June 19. The expanded wards will be more child- and family-friendly, and offer state-of-the-art equipment, a central nurses' station, 12 private patient rooms (three of them designed for children), an education room for regional paramedics and nurses, a bigger hydrotherapy center, and a special image enhancement area. "This expansion is an opportunity for us to advance services we already provide exceptionally well," announced St. Joseph burn and wound care director Sheryl Mourey. The hospital's burn and wound units will relocate from the fifth and sixth floors to the second floor. It is estimated that doctors see as many as 50 burn patients in the outpatient clinic daily, while the annual number of patients treated for burns totals 6,000. "We'd outgrown our space on the outpatient side," explained Mourey. The merger of St. Joseph's burn and wound units will raise the latter's profile, according to Dr. Phil Rettenmaier with Indiana Wound Care.

"Hot Water From the Tap Can Burn; Experts Advise Setting Temperature at 49 C"
Canadaeast.com (06/18/07) Wallace, Kenyon

In Canada, over 300 children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are treated each year in hospitals for burn injuries caused by scalding tap water, according to data from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP). The majority of water heaters in Canadian homes were pre-set at 60 C by the manufacturers. However, it takes only between one second and five seconds at such a temperature for human skin to burn. In response, Canadian doctors are calling for legislation to lower water heater temperature settings. A reduction to 49 C would significantly diminish the risk of scalding, as it would take roughly five minutes of contact to sustain a burn at 49 C, according to Robert Cartotto of the Ross Tilley Burn Centre. The Ontario Building Code was altered in 2004 to ensure that fixtures in new homes will not surpass 49C; however, Cartotto says one measure is "not enough." A primary obstacle to the legislation is concern that lower temperatures foster the growth of a bacteria that causes legionnaires' disease. Cartotto argues that there is a microscopic chance that a healthy adult would contract the disease from water at 49 C. In the meantime, Safe Kids suggests that people reduce their water heater temperatures via the tanks' thermostats; another alternative involves fitting anti-scald mixing valves at the taps or at the heater.

"Burn Victim Gets New Eyebrows"
Associated Press (06/17/07)

Burn survivor Bridgette Hughes has gone through 13 years worth of operations to correct injuries she incurred when she was six. Her most recent surgery was intended to replace her missing eyebrows. During the three hour process doctors grafted hair from the back of Hughes' head and separated out individual hair follicles. The dissected follicles were then positioned to lay naturally along her browline. The procedure has a high success rate, with a very low probability of infection. Hughes' doctor says she is no exception, that she is feeling healthy, and she looks wonderful.

"Fire Department Offers Home Safety Tips"
Flint Journal (MI) (06/17/07)

The Fenton (Mich.) Fire Department is participating in the Home Safety Council's campaign for improved home safety. The Hands on Home Safety campaign teaches families about simple steps that can be taken to avoid fires and burns. Recommendations include owning smoke alarms that work and conducting fire drills. For those building a new residence, fire sprinkler installation should be a priority. When cooking, adults should stay near the stove. Space heaters should be kept a minimum of three feet from anything flammable, and should be turned off when unattended; candles should be blown out when unattended, as well, and should only be lit in the presence of an adult. Smokers should smoke outdoors, using deep ashtrays that should be doused in water before they are emptied. Lighters and matches should be kept out of children's reach. Finally, hot water should never exceed 120 F degrees.

"Comparison of Fibrin Sealant and Staples for Attaching Split-Thickness Autologous Sheet Grafts in Patients With Deep Partial- or Full-Thickness ..."
Journal of Burn Care & Research (06/01/2007) Vol. 28, No. 3, P. 401; Gibran, Nicole; Luterman, Arnold; Herndon, David

Researchers have found that a fibrin sealant with 4 IU/ml thrombin achieved comparable or superior results to staple fixation when attaching skin grafts in burn survivors. A clinical trial studying 40 patients discovered that the fibrin sealant had the same level of graft survival as staples while reducing the risk of hematoma. The results of this study have made doctors hopeful that with further testing, fibrin sealants may offer an excellent alternative to staples in healing burn wounds.

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.