Clinton wrote this …
There are no burn victims. There are burn survivors. This, says Dr. Bruce Cairns, director of the N.C. Jaycee Burn Center at UNC Hospitals, is a mantra among those who have, quite literally, been through the fire.
Today we still have seven burn survivors from the Slim Jim, ConAgra plant explosion yesterday. On Day 2, swelling from the initial trauma has slowed or halted, providing a better assessment of burn injuries, better guiding the remarkable care provided by nurses, therapists, residents, giving a green light for some patients to go to the OR. In the less-severe cases it might begin to subside. Bronchoscopes explore the airways to check for changes that might have stemmed from chemical exposure.
As often as care providers work at the bedside, others are talking with family members, updating them on progress, educating them about the next steps, hosting representatives from the corporation.
Cathy Calvert is one of very few rehabilitation counselors in the country who works with burn patients. This 20-year veteran’s countenance is a magical, effective elixir: empathetic, being soft spoken, and being determined to get what’s best for her patients. Ensuring as many patients – and their familes — in her care as possible remain survivors.
