Six people from a New Year’s lights explosion in Aliamanu are still fighting for their life in intensive care at a particular burn center in , Arizona.
The six seriously injured people, who earlier this month were transferred from , Hawaii , to the Diane &, Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center—Valleywise Health, are also treated and drugged, according to chairman Dr.  , Kevin Foster.
That is not uncommon for patients with severe fires, he said.
” Frequently, we keep people treated, drugged, sleepy and forgetful until we get most of their burn covered, and none of these people are also close to that period however”, he said during a press release Friday morning. But “everybody’s on training” in the healing process, and restoration and body transplantation work have begun, he said.
The Arizona Burn Foundation, however, is assisting clients ‘ people with shelter and transport needs, as well as advice on what to expect in the months ahead, with the help of donors.
Rex Albright, president and CEO of the base, said it is working with about 20 family people, each with their own trip ideas.
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” We do had hotel companions”, he said. ” We have lovers that are letting us apply some Airbnb cover. We have different choices that we’re looking into for potential housing needs. We do know this is a long-term effects for these people, and we’re trying to make their remain as comfortable as possible”.
The Arizona Burn Center took five people transferred from The Queen’s Medical Center and one from , Straub Benioff Medical Center , on , Oahu , the second trip of January.
The six people on , Jan. 4 , were transported by a C-17 defense flight from Joint Base Pearl-Harbor-Hickam on , Oahu , to , Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport , in , Arizona. They were met by the , Phoenix Fire Department , and transported by ambulance to the fire facility.
Foster said all six, described as in their 20s and 30s, experienced fires on 50 % or more of their body, and are looking at at least three or four months of treatment, plus additional time for treatment and reconstructive surgeries. Additionally, these patients had” significant, traumatic injuries” in the form of puncture wounds from flying particles and debris.
When asked about treatment costs, Foster said patients ‘ insurance plans will be billed, and can be worked out later. He said the top priority now is to care for the patients.
Straub officials, meanwhile, said it was able to discharge one patient from the Aliamanu incident.
” We continue to care for some of the most serious and critically injured patients from the Aliamanu fireworks tragedy”, said , Travis Clegg, Straub chief operating officer, in a statement. ” We were able to discharge one patient. A few will require several surgeries in their road to recovery. Our Burn Care Unit is also managing very complex wound care that requires specialized equipment and constant monitoring to prevent infections. We are truly thankful for our burn care team’s commitment to serve these patients and their families during this difficult time”.
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