The burn victims from the firebombing attack in Boulder on Sunday continue to receive treatment at UCHealth’s Burn and Frostbite Center in Aurora, Colorado. As of Tuesday night, three victims remain hospitalized, two of whom had to be flown to the facility due to the severity of their injuries. The center is providing crucial care to these individuals, working around the clock to help them recover from their traumatic injuries.
The Burn Care Response
In the wake of the attack, the UCHealth Burn and Frostbite Center immediately mobilized all available resources to treat the victims. Jenn Wilson, the nurse manager at the center, explained how their team responded during such a critical time. “It’s kind of an all-hands-on-deck situation,” she said. When several patients arrive at once, the team calls for additional support to ensure every victim receives immediate care.
The Burn and Frostbite Center in Aurora is one of the few facilities in the U.S. accredited by the American Burn Association (ABA). This prestigious designation means the center adheres to the highest standards of care for burn victims, making it one of the best places in the country to receive treatment for severe burns.
The Importance of Quick Treatment
Wilson emphasized the importance of getting burn victims immediate treatment, especially in cases where the injuries are severe. “The sooner they get to a hospital or emergency department, the better,” she noted. In such emergencies, prompt medical intervention is crucial to prevent further complications and improve the chances of recovery.
Witnesses to the attack reported that they tried to help by putting out the flames on the victims, but they struggled, as water often didn’t help. Some described seeing the victims’ clothes burning into their skin, which made the situation even more urgent. The center’s staff are trained to deal with such intense situations, including situations where chemicals or other contaminants are involved, which may require additional decontamination procedures.
The Road to Recovery
Recovering from severe burns is a long and challenging process. According to Wilson, the first step in treating burn victims is determining what percentage of the body has been affected. In medical terms, the size of a person’s palm is considered to represent about 1% of their body’s surface area. The more severe the burn, the longer the hospital stay, with patients needing an average of one day of treatment for each percentage of their body burned.
For those with larger burns, the recovery process can span weeks or even months. Patients may need skin grafts, special wound care, and extensive therapy before they are healthy enough to return home. Wilson expressed the center’s commitment to supporting these patients every step of the way, ensuring that they receive the best possible care throughout their recovery journey.
The response at UCHealth’s Burn and Frostbite Center highlights the crucial role that specialized care plays in the recovery of burn victims. Despite the severity of the attack on Pearl Street in Boulder, the quick action and skilled treatment from the center’s staff give hope to those recovering. The long road to recovery for these victims will require patience, support, and dedicated care, but the resources available at the burn center are a vital part of helping them heal.