URGENT - PLEASE HELP AN INJURED FIREFIGHTER CLINGING TO LIFE
A firefighter friend is clinging to life as a result of being burned
in an Oklahoma wildfire. Time is of the essence in that doctors have
indicated that there is nothing else to do. He has about 10 days to
live.

This is an urgent and life or death plea for help:

We need to know if there is any place on the globe that has experience
in treating deep burns affecting the reconstruction of subcutaneous
tissue. Apparently the doctors have indicated that the subcataneous
tissue is so damaged that there is nothing left on which to attach a
skin graft.

Please give it your best shot and try to help us located the foremost
burn treatment center for this type of damage.

---

Request for Question Clarification by cynthia-ga on 08 Mar 2006 22:01 PST

Hello jglenndavis,

So sorry to hear about your friend, my brother-in-law is a
Firefighter, so I really want to help. I'm working on this now. After
a few searches, I've identified the best search strategy and have a
database of hospitals that provide what is called "ADVANCED BURN LIFE
SUPPORT."

I also have a short "A" list of the best burn centers in the country,
offering the very best of care that money can buy. I don't know, yet,
whether these burn centers can reconstruct the damaged subcutaneous
tissue without skin grafts, but this article was hopeful:

BURN WOUND COVERAGE AND BURN WOUND CLOSURE
http://medbc.com/meditline/review/acta/vol_42/num_2/text/vol42n2p64.asp
Note there is contact information at the bottom of the article.

I can compile contact information for MOST the top Burn Centers,
there's several in the US, but I don't think I should call them and
start asking questions, because I don't have the answers. It would be
much faster if I post information as I find it so you and the Doctor
can start making calls immediately. It might take a few phone calls,
maybe a day, but from what I've seen in the first couple Burn Trauma
Center's descriptions, it looked very promising. At the very least,
these are well known Teaching and Research Hospitals that have an
Advanced Burn Life Support focus.

Is this acceptable? If not, please tell me exactly what to do. If I am
not able to find what you want I want to release the lock as soon as
possible.

Please use the clarification feature and get back to me. I stay up
late, I'm inthe Pacific Time Zone.

~~Cynthia

Hi jglenndavis,

First thing I have listed is the Database of US Burn Trauma Centers in
the US, then, I have searched high and low to determine which of them
might be able to help your friend.

I believe your friend is Destry Horton. There is only one firefighter
in Oklahoma struggling to live after being critically burned, and
these articles brought tears to my eyes. This is so sad!

Please know that I am praying for Destry and his family.

Here's links to the recent news stories:


Update on Destry Horton ? Wednesday, March 8, 2006, 1 p.m. 
http://www.chickashanews.com/viewarticle.php?id=4223

Update on Destry Horton - 2 p.m., Monday
http://www.chickashanews.com/viewarticle.php?id=4216

MARCH 5:
Injured Firefighter Remains Critical With Burns From Wildfire
http://www.channeloklahoma.com/news/7721356/detail.html

Firefighter breathing on his own
http://www.kten.com/Global/story.asp?S=4587342

Update on Destry Horton ? 7 a.m., March 4
http://www.chickashanews.com/viewarticle.php?id=4201

MARCH 3:
Firefighter remains in critical condition
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11656533/

Volunteer Firefighters Come Together with One in Critical Condition 
Posted: March 2, 2006, 03:33 PM PST 
http://www.kten.com/Global/story.asp?S=4577564
 

**********************************************************
THIS IS THE DATABASE:

BURN CARE FACILITIES ? United States ? DATABASE
http://www.ameriburn.org/pub/FinalPubPage.pdf
CONTACT INFORMATION IS HERE FOR EVERY FACILITY IN THE US
In fact, this document was made for "physician to physician" referrals
of burn patients..


**********************************************************

Fact Sheet: Trauma, Burn, and Injury: Resources
http://publications.nigms.nih.gov/factsheets/trauma_burn_resources.html


***********************************************************
NEXT: STATE OF THE ART BURN CARE FACILITIES IN THE US

If I missed any phone numbers, they're on the BURN CARE FACILITIES
document at the top. I believe your best bet is one of the top 5 on
the list. Those Centers mebntioned in some way that they do care for
and have procedures for 4th degree burns.
**********************************************************

William Randolph Hearst Burn Center
http://www.hospitalsoup.com/ExternalWebFrame.asp?HospitalID=20222 
..."For a quarter of a century, the Burn Center has led the way in
treating patients with burn injuries. Founded in 1976, it is the
nation's largest and busiest specialized facility to care for the
burn-injured patient.....In addition to the most sophisticated
treatment and technology currently available, we offer the expertise
of a highly coordinated team, staffed with surgeons, therapists,
dietitians, nurses and social workers. Together, our multidisciplinary
team offers comprehensive treatment for the three phases of
burn-injury care: burn shock, wound care/surgery, and
rehabilitative/reconstructive..."
HOURS: http://www.hospitalsoup.com/ExternalWebFrame.asp?HospitalID=20222
525 East 68th Street
New York, New York 10021 
212-746-5317
In an emergency, please call: 1-888-NYH-BURN (694-2876) or (212) 746-5317. 


**********************************************************

The Grossman Burn Center 
http://www.grossmanburncenter.com/
NOTE THIS: ..."Finally, a free tissue transfer is performed in cases
of severe tissue loss or scarring.

In this case, the surgeons at the Grossman Burn Center harvest a
segment of muscle, skin or other tissue along with accompanying
arteries and veins. This segment is used to replace deficient tissue.
The arteries and veins are re-connected at the new site.

The expert surgeons at the Grossman Burn Center are each highly
trained in each of these reconstructive methods..."

..."The world renowned Grossman Burn Center at the San Fernando
Valley's Sherman Oaks Hospital has been dedicated to providing the
most specialized and targeted care to burn patients and their loved
ones since 1969......Under the leadership of its founder, Dr. A.
Richard Grossman, the facility has grown over the years from two
dedicated beds to a 30-bed burn center......The inpatient center
includes a burn intensive care unit and an intermediate care
unit.....Our hyperbaric therapy unit utilizes state-of-the-art
technology to facilitate wound healing while providing maximum patient
comfort. The Grossman Burn Center's rooftop heliport allows for quick
patient arrival when necessary.


**********************************************************

The Johns Hopkins Burn Center ? Baltimore Regional Burn Center
4940 Eastern Avenue
Baltimore Maryland
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/burn/clinical/surgery/index.html
..."The surgical procedure for treating third degree (full thickness)
burns is called skin grafting......Fourth degree burns may require
different and more intense surgical procedures.
These options will be discussed with you on an individual basis..."

Director Stephen Milner, MD 
(410) 550-0886
Tel: (410) 550-0890
Fax: (410) 550-8161

ALSO:
Michael D. Hendrix 
Stephen M. Milner
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/burn/research/index.html
..."Research conducted at the Johns Hopkins Burn Center is cutting-edge..."


**********************************************************

This is one of the best burn centers in the world, the site says they
serve civilians in South Texas, but maybe you can get him in:

U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research 
Burn Center General Information
http://www.usaisr.amedd.army.mil/bcgen.html
..."The Burn Center is part of the USAISR's Trauma Division.  The Burn
Center is located on the 4th Floor of Brooke Army Medical Center. 
Approximately 300 burn patients are admitted annually.  The Burn
Center serves the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of
Veteran's Affairs, several other federal agencies, and civilians in
the South Texas region..."

Trauma/Burn Clinic and Civilian Care Coordination Office (CCCO) 
Hours of operation:

Monday through Friday, 07:30 hours to 16:30 hours. 
Telephone: (210) 916-2796
           (210) 916-3630
Fax:       (210) 916-9148

Patient-specific E-mail for the burn consultancy can be sent to: 
burntrauma.consult@us.army.mil 

Patients who were not initially treated at the Burn Center must:

1) Have a Physician-to-Physician referral.

2) Have the name of the accepting Physician who works in the Burn
Clinic (in writing or on paperwork somewhere).

3) Make a call to make or confirm the appointment.  The Burn Clinic
will then know the patient will be available for the appointment.


**********************************************************

University of Washington Burn Center ? Harborview Medical Center
http://www.uwmedicine.org/Facilities/Harborview/CentersOfEmphasis/Burn/
..."Burn treatment is a constantly evolving field that has seen
dramatic improvements in recent decades.

In 1945, there was only a 25 percent average chance of survival from
severe burns. In the early 70s, it was discovered that by ridding the
body of burned, dead tissue as early as possible, the risk of
infection would be limited, boosting patients' chances of survival.
Today, even patients with the most devastating burns - those covering
more than 70 percent of their skin surface - have a 50 percent chance
of survival. The overall survival rate at Harborview's burn unit
stands at 96 percent.

Since its opening in 1974, the UW Medicine Burn Center at Harborview
has treated more than 15,000 patients, including nearly all burn
victims in Washington. Harborview was one of the first hospitals to
adopt the approach of early removal of burned tissue, and was the
first site of a major clinical trial for a temporary artificial skin
graft, a technology that continues to advance..."

A local newspaper article about Harborview's Burn Center
http://www.kingcountyjournal.com/sited/story/html/119079

I'd like to point out Harborview's survival rate for burns..." Today,
even patients with the most devastating burns - those covering more
than 70 percent of their skin surface - have a 50 percent chance of
survival. The overall survival rate at Harborview's burn unit stands
at 96 percent..."

Physician Referrals to the Burn Center
http://www.uwmedicine.org/Facilities/Harborview/CentersOfEmphasis/Burn/PhysicianReferralsBurnCenter.htm

Burn Center History
http://www.uwmedicine.org/Facilities/Harborview/CentersOfEmphasis/Burn/history.htm

Burn Center Fact Sheet
http://www.uwmedicine.org/NR/rdonlyres/74B18BA4-9F00-42E3-B475-DE912E33E7D1/0/DidYouKnow.pdf
325 9th Ave
Seattle, WA
206-731-3000

Director Nicole S. Gibran, MD
(206) 731-3140
Fax: (206) 731-3656


Consultation for Burn and/or Burn Reconstruction - Adults or Children
http://faculty.washington.edu/engrav/BurnCon.html
If you wish to discuss burn surgery, please call 206-731-2475. You
will be provided with more information and may schedule appointments.
Or to schedule an appointment directly, simply call 206-731-5735.


**********************************************************

Loyola University-Chicago ? The Burn Shock Trauma Institute 
http://www.meddean.luc.edu/depts/bsti.htm
..."The Burn and Shock Trauma Institute serves as the research arm of
Loyola's Burn Center and trauma service, investigating problems in
post-burn immunosuppression, wound healing and nutritional support.
Other research projects include the study of growth-stimulating
factors, endotoxin shock, the role of the macrophage in wound repair,
insulin resistance and altered carbohydrate mechanism in sepsis and
burns. The Burn and Shock Trauma Institute conducts epidemiologically
based research in injury and injury control through its Injury
Analysis Division. The Prevention Division develops and conducts
community-based injury prevention programs..."

Director - Richard L. Gamelli, M.D. 
Associate Director for Research - Luisa DiPietro, D.D.S, Ph.D. 

Burn Shock Trauma Institute (708) 327-2400 


**********************************************************

Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center
http://www.azburncenter.com/
A NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE AND INDIVIDUALIZED CARE FOR PATIENTS AND
FAMILIES WHO SUFFER FROM BURN INJURY UCI Regional Burn Center

[don't let the lack of text put you off, this is a very highly
regarded Burn Center]


***********************************************************

St. Joseph Regional Burn Center 
http://www.stjoehospital.com/burn/team.htm
..."This state-of-the-art facility is one of only two such centers in
all of Indiana, and one of only 150 in the entire nation. Recognized
by The New York Times for its pioneering work in skin grafting and
transplantation, the Regional Burn Center offers the most
sophisticated burn treatment available within 150 miles of Fort Wayne.
In fact, burn trauma victims from all over the tri-state region are
flown to St. Joe for the specialized burn care that no other area
hospital can provide..."


***********************************************************

George David Peak Memorial Burn Care Center 
http://www.muhealth.org/~hospital/burncenter.shtml
..."The first development was the introduction of cultured skin and
skin substitutes, such as BioBrain ®, a temporary skin used for
protection, which the team first used in 1979. Lowry was the first
patient to receive a new permanent skin substitute called AlloDerm
®..."


**********************************************************

The Burn Center at Saint Barnabas 
http://www.njburncenter.com/
..."is the only state-certified burn treatment facility in New Jersey
and one of the largest in North America. With 12 Intensive Care beds
and an 18-bed Step-down Unit for less critically injured patients, The
Burn Center provides expert care for patients of all ages. The Burn
Center also meets the verification criteria of the American Burn
Association and the American College of Surgeons to provide optimal
care for burn patients..."


**********************************************************

The Nathan Speare Regional Burn Treatment Center
http://www.crozer.org/CKHS/Left+Nav/Hospitals+and+Facilities/Crozer-Chester+Medical+Center/Burn+Care/
..."We have earned an international reputation for excellence in
holistic burn care, treating more than 7,300 new patients since 1973,
an average of 350 patients annually..."


**********************************************************

UNIVERSITY of TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH - BLOCKER BURN UNIT
http://www.totalburncare.com/UTMB_refer.htm
http://www.totalburncare.com/blocker_burn_unitpage.htm
Burn patients of all ages may be admitted to the University of Texas
Medical Branch.  For transfer and admission information please call:
409-747-2500 or 800-962-3648


**********************************************************

Massachusettes General Hospital
http://www.massgeneral.org/burns/research/
The contact information for the Burn Floor is: 
Bigelow Building, 13th Floor, 
(617-726-3354)


**********************************************************

UCI Regional Burn Center
http://www.ucihealth.com/burn/default.htm
101 The City Drive South
Orange, CA  92868-3298
1-877-UCI-DOCS
(877-824-3627)


**********************************************************

NSW Severe Burn Injury Service
http://www.nets.org.au/PDF/Severe%20Burn%20Service%20-%20Model%20of%20Care.pdf
This Burn Center is in Australia


**********************************************************
BURN CARE - GENERAL
**********************************************************

Journal of Burn Care & Research
http://www.burncarerehab.com/pt/re/jburncr/home.htm;jsessionid=EP19Dpc2k1p4sWUp6HaKn4uuNxItvrQMIMXXPH1X2cefGCOVdraG!-1070481199!-949856145!9001!-1
..."Journal of Burn Care & Research provides the latest information on
advances in burn prevention, research, education, delivery of acute
care, and research to all members of the burn care team. As the
official publication of the American Burn Association, this is the
only U.S. journal devoted exclusively to the treatment and research of
patients with burns..."

Here's their Editorial Board:
http://www.journalofburnsandwounds.com/editorialboard.html
I can track down phone numbers for some of these folks, which ones
might you want to call?


**********************************************************

Thermal Burns
http://www.newarkcampus.org/fdavis/N4823%20Health%20Alterations/I-Thermal%20Burns.doc
Outline of diagnosis and treatments.


**********************************************************

Burn Survivor Resource Center
http://www.burnsurvivor.com/treatmentproducts.html
Information on the latest burn treatment products, such as artificial
skin and pressure garments.

Cultured Skin Substitutes Speed Recovery From Massive Burn Injuries
http://www.burnsurvivor.com/resources_articles_culturedskin.html

Artificial Skin Offers Hope to Burn Victims
http://www.burnsurvivor.com/resources_articles_artificialskin.html


**********************************************************

Burn Research Group
http://www.gluegrant.org/burnresearch.htm


**********************************************************

American Burn Association
http://www.ameriburn.org/
ABA Central Office - Chicago
625 N. Michigan Ave., Ste 2550
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Telephone: 312.642.9260
Member Toll-free: 800.548.2876
Fax: 312.642.9130
email: info@ameriburn.org


**********************************************************

Burnsurgery.org
http://www.burnsurgery.org/
..."is a website designed to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date
Educational Tool  for burn care professionals throughout the world. As
the science and clinical care of burn patients rapidly evolves, we
hope that this site will provide an additional tool for burn care
professionals to disseminate improvements in burn care..."

USE of  EXTRA-CELLULAR WOUND MATRIX in TREATING WOUNDS & BURNS
http://www.burnsurgery.org/Modules/BurnWound/rationale/index.htm 


***********************************************************
CLINICAL TRIALS AND CLINICAL RESOURCES
***********************************************************

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/show/NCT00137254

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct/gui/search?term=Burn+Surgery&submit=Search


These next two require a subscription, but they look interesting:

Burns Clinical Resources
http://unthsc-dl.slis.ua.edu/clinical/emergency/conditions/burns.htm

Burns Patient/Family Resources
http://unthsc-dl.slis.ua.edu/patientinfo/emergency/conditions/burns.htm


***********************************************************
SUPPORT GROUPS AND BOOKS
***********************************************************

Survivors Groups:
   
  Texas:  http://www.texasburnsurvivors.org  
  Phoenix:  http://www.phoenix-society.org  
  Moonlight:  http://www.moonlightfund.org 

Recommended reading list for burn survivors and their families.
http://www.burnsurvivor.com/books.html

Discussion Forum
http://www.burnsurvivor.com/script/boardlogin/login.asp

***********************************************************

I'm running out the door, will be back tonight. I called my
brother-in-law (the firefighter), he's making calls to locate the
absolute BEST burn center for you. I'll post it as soon as I hear from
him.

Please get back to me and let me know how to proceed. I just wanted to
post what I have gathered for you to start making calls.


~~Cynthia


Look for my search strategy in a clarification later tonight.

---

Clarification of Answer by cynthia-ga on 09 Mar 2006 14:19 PST

My Brother-in-law called me back, he said Brooks, which is on my list,
and St. Ive's, in LA which is not on my list, so I'll get the web site
for them later today, I'm [still] running out the door.

---

Clarification of Answer by cynthia-ga on 09 Mar 2006 15:18 PST

I couldn't just walk away! I misunderstood my Brother-in-law, he said
the burn center on "VAN NUYS" in LA, --that's the Grossman Burn Center
at Sherman Oaks, and it IS listed above, it's #2 on my list, just
below the William Randolph Hearst Burn Center.  *phew* --I couldn't
imagine how I could miss a top rated burn center altogether!

Cynthia was quick and complete.
Thanks.

In a question posted by user myoarin-ga
(http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=705295 -- well done
myoarin-ga :) in solidarity with this one, of the four links he
provides there is one apparently not included in Cynthia's answer --
despite its remarkable comprehensiveness -- which is probably worth
adding:

http://www.integris-health.com/INTEGRIS/en-US/Specialties/BurnCenter/default.htm

guillermo,  

There's a reason I didn't list it, that's the hospital where Destry
Horton is a patient right now!  I removed it from my answer before I
posted --after reading the media articles about the incident.  I also
removed the only other adult burn center in Oklahoma (Tulsa) --the
"Alexander Burn Center" at the Hillcrest Medical Center, because I'm
fairly certain that if the Center there had the capability to care for
Destry, the Doctors at the Paul Silverstein Burn Center would know.

Hello jglenndavis-ga, 

As I posted on the other question posted by myoarin-ga, the Army Burn
Center at Brooke Army Medical Center is the best in the world. It's in
San Antonio, TX - not far from OK - and they do accept civilians under
certain circumstances. There are critical care ambulance services
(both airborne and traditional) available to assist with transport of
ICU patients, which either Integris or Brooke could help to arrange.

It's hard to believe, however, that the doctors at Integris don't
already know about Brooke. I'm wondering if this man is simply too
severely injured to even consider transport until and unless he is
stabilized. In any case, there are enough resources posted now to
hopefully enable someone to provide doctors there with some
alternatives and request a referral. I certainly do hope and pray you
will find something of use.

Sincerest regards,
Byrd-ga

Cynthia,
I am new to Google Answers and just learned how to communicate with you.

Thank you very much for your prompt response. The family used your
information to convene a meeting of some of the top doctors in the
world to discuss Destry's case. Dr. Burrillo from Brooks Army Burn
Center was among them.

Unfortunately, Destry's condition continues to be dire. He has
survived so far (about 20 days), which is far more than anyone
expected.

Thank you for your help and for the prayers of all concerned.
Jeff

Jeff,

Thank you so very much for coming back and letting me know my research
was useful to Destry's family. There are many people in the Google
Answers Community that continue to pray for Destry and his family.
Please come back from time to time and let us know his progress.

I'm watching the Chickasha News at the Express Star site where I found
the other articles, but I'm especially curious as to whether or not he
was or will be transfered, and if so, where.

Here's the most recent news article:
http://www.chickashanews.com/viewarticle.php?id=4269
http://www.chickashanews.com/viewarticle.php?id=4272 (duplicate)

What happened during the video-conference Friday?


Sincerely,
~~Cynthia

Cynthia,
I'm sorry to report that Destry passed away last week due to the
injuries he sustained.

His funeral is today in Chickasha. 

A fund has been set up to assist his wife and two small children. The
address for those wishing to contribute is:

First National Bank
P.O. Box 1130
Chickasha, OK  73023-1130
Note: For Destry Horton Fund

I also understand that some planning is in the works to do something
to honor his memory at the Silverstein Burn Center. I'll keep this
site informed as details are made known.

Thanks again for your effort. Because of the research you and others
conducted, the family is comforted in knowing that everything humanly
possible was done to save his life. That is particularly important to
his wife as she contemplates the day she can explain the heroic
efforts undertaken to save "Daddy" to his little girls.

Jeff

Jeff,
Destry's terrible suffering and fight for life, and now his death,
have touched many here who have followed this question, also checking
online sites for subsequent news, reading about benefit activities to
help support his family.

Thank you for keeping us informed, and please accept my condolences to
his wife and daughters  - and to yourself as very concerned friend.

With kindest regards, Myoarin

This is so sad. I saw this post last week but was disconnecting my
computer to move and in a hurry... Thanks for coming back to tell me
the outcome and that my search was meaningful and comforting to the
family. You can tell the family that the post here at Google is
permanent, it will be online for many years, if not decades. Even if
Google Answers ceases to accept new questions one day, I can't believe
they would remove the wealth of information being compiled here, this
question included. The children will be able to come here and read
this!

~~Cynthia