Six critically burned individuals from a New Year's Day fireworks explosion are being airlifted to the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center at Valleywise Health in Phoenix, as the medical facilities in Hawaii are overwhelmed.
The explosion occurred during an illegal fireworks display when a lit firework tipped over, igniting nearby fireworks, leading to a massive chain reaction. Tragically, three people lost their lives, and over 20 sustained injuries. "The folks in Hawaii said, 'We are beyond our level of resources. We need help. Who can help?' I said we'd be happy to take some patients," explained Dr. Kevin Foster, the Director of Burn Services at the Arizona Burn Center.
The airlift operation, which utilized a U.S. military C-17 plane equipped with ICU capabilities, signifies the urgent medical response necessary under dire circumstances. These severely injured patients, aged between 20 and 38, suffered extensive burns, with some covering up to 90% of their bodies.
Dr. Foster stated, "A large percent total body surface area burn like this is a life-changing, life-threatening, life-long injury." He anticipates patients will remain hospitalized for up to six months, requiring multiple surgeries. "Most of these patients will be undergoing surgeries a couple of times a week," he added.
The airlift began early Saturday morning, with efforts coordinated by first responders at the Straub Benioff Medical Center and additional support sent to Queen’s Medical Center for continuous medical care during transit. After the six-hour flight, the patients arrived at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport on Saturday evening.
Family members expressed concern for their loved ones, particularly for 29-year-old Abigail Allie, whose injuries were severe, covering more than 65% of her body. Leby Jose, speaking on behalf of her family, shared, "We hope she receives the best possible treatment there and… regains her strength and returns to the vibrant, amazing person we all know." This hopeful sentiment reflects the struggle many families face when dealing with the aftermath of catastrophic injuries.
Dr. Foster emphasized the extensive recovery process, explaining, "The road to recovery will be long, with several reconstructive surgeries. While the scars will be permanent, healing is possible." His expectations are for all six victims to eventually regain enough strength to return home to Hawaii, having recovered to the best of their abilities.
This dire situation sheds light on the dangers associated with fireworks, particularly when not handled safely even under so-called safe conditions. “Anything from the fireworks can catch on fire, anything can blow up. It’s such a serious risk,” Dr. Foster reiterated. His insights serve as both medical guidance and cautionary advice to the public on the inherent dangers of fireworks.
American hospitals like the Arizona Burn Center are stepping forward to provide relief and specialized care. "The people we are taking are actually not even patients in our burn center there. They’re currently residing at community hospitals because the burn center is full," Dr. Foster informed during discussions concerning the operation's logistics and the resource strains faced back home.
Overall, this incident serves as not just a report on medical logistics, but as a tragic reminder of the human cost associated with reckless firework usage. The families of the injured, alongside healthcare professionals, are calling attention to the importance of safety review when handling fireworks. The best care anyone can give is preventive, ensuring accidents like the New Year’s explosion do not occur at all.