"Burn Camp a 'Safe Haven'"
"Firefighters Visit Burn Victims"
"UCF Researchers Studying How Virtual Reality Can Influence Fire Policies"
"KIDDE Partners With Danger Rangers on National Multi-Year Sponsorship Campaign"
"Camp Available for Young Burn Survivors"
"Innate Lymphocyte Subsets and Their Immunoregulatory Roles in Burn Injury and Sepsis"
"Army Chief of Staff Boosts Spirits at BAMC"
"Home Safety Council Launches Hands on Home Safety Campaign During Home Safety Month in June"
"FEMA Awards $1 Million in Fire-Prevention Grants"
"The Phenomenon of 'Fluid Creep' in Acute Burn Resuscitation"
"Lines of Defense"
"Burn Camp Is Life-Changing Experience for Local Woman"
"Victims, Firefighters Share Bond"
"Dog Heals Others"
"Rate of Pediatric Tap Water Scald Injuries in Eastern Ontario"

"Burn Camp a 'Safe Haven'"
Beaver County Times (06/09/07) Madgar, Nicole

West Penn Hospital's Summer Camp for Burned Children in Marion Township, Pa., is helping burn survivors from ages seven to 17 who have been cared for in the hospital's burn center. The camp runs from Mondays to Fridays at Camp Kon-O-Kwee. A quarter of the patients treated in West Penn's burn unit are under 18, so the camp creates an essential refuge for kids who have survived burns. Their experiences there help them realize they are not alone. This year, the program's theme is "You're A Star," which counselors hope will help build the self esteem that the camp strives to cultivate in its young participants.

"Firefighters Visit Burn Victims"
Nanaimo Daily News (06/07/07)

Fire fighters in Nanaimo, British Columbia, traveled to the B.C. Professional Fire Fighter's Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit at Vancouver General Hospital courtesy of the Fire Fighter's Burn Fund. The Burn Fund wanted fire fighters to see how much good is done by all the money they raise for burn survivors and their families.

"UCF Researchers Studying How Virtual Reality Can Influence Fire Policies"
University of Central Florida (06/06/07) Binette, Chad

University of Central Florida researchers are developing a study to examine if interactive, virtual reality simulations of wildfires will make residents more willing to invest in fire prevention. The interactive simulation will depict a wildfire spreading through Volusia County, Fla. Participants will decide how much they want to invest in prescribed burns and insurance, which will be compared to decisions made by people receiving only written information about the danger of wildfires. Economic researchers Glenn Harrison and Elisabet Rutstrom, electrical engineering and computer science researcher Charles Hughes, philosophy research Stephen Fiore, and the Institute for Simulation and Training hope the project will demonstrate how virtual reality can be used as an effective public policy tool that allows residents to experience the long-term effects of economic and political decisions. "This technology could empower ordinary citizens to make decisions that may be comparable in quality to experts' and save society from making bad decisions," Fiore says. The National Science Foundation provided $680,000 for the project, which is scheduled to start simulations within six months. The entire study will take about two years, but the first results should be available at the end of 2007. Participants will experience 30 years simulated over the course of an hour and will control how they view the environment, such as flying over the forest, walking through it, or being guided on a predefined path. Hughes says he believes these types of simulations may become common in museums, classrooms, and other venues, especially because the cost of technology required for such simulations has dropped significantly in recent years.

"KIDDE Partners With Danger Rangers on National Multi-Year Sponsorship Campaign"
Yearbook of Experts (05/29/07)

Educational Adventures, the studio behind the children's animated safety series Danger Rangers, is uniting with Kidde, the largest fire safety product manufacturer in the world, for a nationwide campaign aimed at enhancing fire safety awareness. Danger Rangers is credited with leading an increasingly popular child safety movement. The multi-year sponsorship campaign will employ a number of methods for furthering safety, in addition to teaching families about the importance of fire escape plans and smoke alarms. Tactics will include 30-second commercials relaying home safety messages, 15-second fire safety tags that will be incorporated into Danger Ranger episodes on public television, and the publishing of child safety DVDs and activity books. Among elementary school-aged children, fire and burns are the number one cause of accidental injury, notes Chris Rovenstine, marketing vice president for Kidde Residential & Commercial. Rovenstine explains that "The Danger Rangers deliver 'can do' action adventure fire safety messages that empower children and families to make life-saving safety decisions."

"Camp Available for Young Burn Survivors"
WLOX-TV (Biloxi, MS) (05/27/07) Allan, Krystal

The Mississippi Burn Camp and the Fresno, Calif.-based Alisa Ann Rush Burn Foundation's Champ Camp offer young burn survivors the chance to have fun and experience the normalcy of childhood in a camp setting. Many of the camp attendees are severely burned or have severe scars and are too embarrassed to engage in typical activities like going to a public pool, says Jennifer Davi, who is helping to sponsor 11-year-old Kayle Crain's trip to the California camp. Crain has already attended the Mississippi camp. Rick Camarena, another sponsor, explains that the kids who attend the camps do so free of charge. "We take care of the lodging, the trip out there, and all they have to do is call us and fill out an application," Camarena says.

"Innate Lymphocyte Subsets and Their Immunoregulatory Roles in Burn Injury and Sepsis"
Journal of Burn Care & Research (06/01/2007) Vol. 28, No. 3, P. 365; Schneider, David F.; Glenn, Cavin H.; Faunce, Douglas E.

Researchers offer a synopsis of recent discoveries about minor subsets of innate immune cells in terms of the part they play in immune consequences of burn injury and sepsis. These cells, particularly innate regulatory lymphocytes, seem to be more important than macrophages and neutrophils during protective immunity and immunopathology processes. Recent reports from multiple laboratories have illustrated the upstream regulatory capabilities of innate lymphocyte subsets, like natural killer T cells and gamma-delta T cells, during the immune reaction to burn injury and sepsis. Therefore, innate regulatory lymphocytes are appealing new targets for therapy in the fight against immune paralysis that happens due to burn injury and sepsis.

"Army Chief of Staff Boosts Spirits at BAMC"
US Fed News (05/25/07) Wilson, Elaine

The Army's top officer spent time with wounded soldiers and their families during a tour of the Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) and the Center for the Intrepid at Fort Sam Houston on May 22. Army Chief of Staff Gen. George W. Casey Jr. first toured the burn center, visiting soldiers such as 1st Lt. James Barclay, who was injured in Afghanistan last year by an improvised explosive device. "Taking care of wounded warriors is the most important thing we can do," said Casey. BAMC, which has a reputation for providing cutting-edge care, is the only Level 1 trauma center in the Army, the only burn center in the Defense Department, and is one of a handful of hospitals in the country that has dual accreditation for both areas. Casey asked the wounded soldiers how they felt about the care they received, likened the painful process of recovery to a marathon, and thanked them for their service and sacrifice. He then visited the $50 million Center for the Intrepid, a rehabilitation center for amputees and burn patients injured in the war on terrorism. "He was extremely impressed by the facilities, but I think he was even more impressed with the soldiers and their attitude and spirit," said Maj. Gen. Russell Czerw, commander, Fort Sam Houston and Army Medical Department Center and School.

"Home Safety Council Launches Hands on Home Safety Campaign During Home Safety Month in June"
PR Newswire (05/25/07)

The Home Safety Council (HSC) is kicking off its latest, yearly Hands On Home Safety campaign. This year, the campaign will include several programs to encourage awareness of the five most common causes of injury in the home, including fires and burns. The Hands On campaign will begin with the unveiling of the results of a new survey that reveals the public's lack of awareness about home injuries, and how they can be prevented. The campaign then will move to tackle this oversight by engaging fire and life safety experts to pass out literature and educate their communities. The HSC also hopes to recruit the help of lawmakers and to aid them in spreading the word about home safety to their constituencies. Finally, HSC will be promoting home safety in the workplace through a series of posters, newsletters, and kids activities to educate employers and staff members alike.

"FEMA Awards $1 Million in Fire-Prevention Grants"
Fire Chief (05/07)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently released $1.2 million dollars in Fire Prevention and Safety grants to 25 fire departments and fire prevention organizations. These recent awards are part of FEMA's larger Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. These funds will not only go toward fire prevention and safety education, but they will also support programs designed to enhance the health and safety of fire fighters.

"The Phenomenon of 'Fluid Creep' in Acute Burn Resuscitation"
Journal of Burn Care & Research (06/01/2007) Vol. 28, No. 3, P. 382; Saffle, Jeffrey R.

Recent studies detail progressive edema formation in unburned areas, growing after the burn for the first eight hours. Increased fluid requirements in unselected patients have been connected to serious complications, like abdominal compartment syndrome. "Fluid creep" is a serious problem in modern burn treatment, but there are strategies for mitigating or eliminating excessive fluid resuscitation in burn therapy. Methods for diminishing fluid creep include using colloid as a routine element of resuscitation, avoiding early overresuscitation, and following fluid resuscitation protocols.

"Lines of Defense"
Los Angeles Times (05/20/07) Wedner, Diane

Fire fighters and home builders support the use of a newly debuted line of fire retardants. No Burn of California has unveiled No-Burn Wood Gard, a fire retardant that is spray-on and non-toxic. The retardant decelerates the spread of flames, and is particularly effective against electrical fires. Technicians apply No-Burn Wood Gard during the framing stage, and the retardant's tint ensures that every inch gets covered. No Burn of California also offers an interior latex paint called NB Plus, which works as a base primer on new wood or atop existing structures. NB Plus forms a char barrier when exposed to flame or heat, protecting the materials beneath. No Burn also sells retardants for fabrics and interior furnishings. Though Underwriters Laboratories and the International Code Council (ICC) have not finished reviewing the new fire retardants, the Western Fire Center gave the No Burn products high marks. Still, "you can't just spray your house and think you don't have to worry," noted Jim Tidwell of the ICC. Fire departments still suggest, and frequently require, the use of additional fire-prevention methods, such as installing indoor sprinkler systems and fire-resistant roofs.

"Burn Camp Is Life-Changing Experience for Local Woman"
Suburban Journals (05/17/07) Campbell, Chris

The Missouri Children's Burn Camp gave burn survivor Laura Johnson a more positive view of herself, which is why she is motivated to return to the camp--this time, as an adult counselor. The camp gives young burn survivors the opportunity to meet and bond with children who have undergone similar experiences. The 80 children who attend the camp participate in arts and crafts, sailing, and other camp activities in a safe environment. Camp director Linda Hansen explains that attending the camp improves the children's self esteem and confidence. Hansen notes that the camp's criteria for burn survivors "is that they were hospitalized for four days." Camp counselors include volunteers, fire safety personnel, and adult burn survivors like Johnson.

"Victims, Firefighters Share Bond"
Nanaimo Daily News (05/14/07) P. A4; Walker, Dustin

Martin Drakeley, the new director of the B.C. Professional Firefighters Association Burn Fund, is excited to work on a variety of projects, such as arranging for fire fighters to visit burn survivors in the hospital. Drakeley, who spent 18 years as a Nanaimo fire fighter, knows that patients in the burn unit are eager to see and talk to fire fighters. Drakeley's organization works with area fire fighters who devote time and expertise to heightening the public's understanding of burn safety issues. The association also aims to acquire and donate goods such as anti-scarring garments and televisions to hospital burn units. Drakeley feels that the city of Nanaimo supports its fire fighters, which motivates him to "give back."

"Dog Heals Others"
Victorville Daily Press (CA) (05/13/07) Durkee, Matthew C.

At Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, recovering burn survivors will be cheered this June by Sweetheart, a beagle who survived a serious burn injury in 1999. Set afire by teenagers, Sweetheart was rescued and taken to Dr. Rick Mori, who treated Sweetheart for burns covering 70 percent of her body. Sweetheart's tail-thumping demonstrated a will to live despite extreme pain, and motivated the veterinarian to carry out $8,000 worth of surgery to save her. Sweetheart was then adopted by a burn survivor, Barbara Haunsen, who enrolled Sweetheart in therapy dog training so that Sweetheart could comfort other burn survivors. Sweetheart and other therapy dogs were even brought to New York City to console 9/11 survivors. Sweetheart's trainer, Charlie Brugnola, notes that "People were still in shock, but when they saw our dogs, they would smile and hug them and cry and do that final release." Sweetheart's latest mission is doing therapy work for American troops.

"Rate of Pediatric Tap Water Scald Injuries in Eastern Ontario"
Canadian Journel of Plastic Surgery (Quarter 2, 2007) Vol. 15, No. 1, P. 33; Barnsley, G.P.; Barnsley, S.E.

A study in the Canadian Journal of Plastic Surgery assessed the effectiveness of a 10-year Canadian campaign that educated parents about preventable tap water scalds. The campaign, which recommended reducing the water temperature of home water heaters, had been considered a successful intervention. However, this study analyzed data from children's hospitals and discovered "no statistically significant change" in the frequency of pediatric tap water scalds after the national campaign. Moreover, the data showed that there was already a low rate of such injuries. Researchers concluded that pediatric tap water scalds should be re-evaluated in terms of their priority as a health concern, and that novel preventative measures are needed if tap water scalds remain a public health priority.

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.

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