Fires consumes millions of dollars of property each year in the United States. These fires kill more than 5,000 people with 1,100 of them being children. Countless numbers, including firefighters, are injured in fires and struggle with painful burn injuries. The saddest fact of all is that it can be prevented by installing early warning devices (such as smoke detectors) and automatic fire suppression systems.
Fire Protection industry supporters (OSU Medical Center Burn Center and Central Ohio Chapter of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers), have come together to educate the public as to the extensive damage fire causes and how they can be a part of the solution to the problem by requiring properly designed automatic fire suppression systems not only where they work, but where they live, play, shop, go to school and worship. Together we are making things happen!
Through the support of the SFPE COC community, The Ohio State University Medical Center’s Burn Center received a major boost through their annual charity golf event on Monday, October 5th, 2009 at The Lakes Golf and Country Club. Since 1998 (traditionally kicked off during Fire Prevention Week) the Society of Fire Protection Engineers and its members have generously contributed $212,500 to the Burn Center at Ohio State University Medical Center. These funds have allowed the Ohio State Burn Center to continue to be actively involved in providing education on burn prevention and fire safety both to the community and the students on campus, as well as helping patients obtain special items or assistance such as compression garments which are not covered under insurance. The fund also provides direct support and assistance to patients, their families and advanced education to burn care nurses.
As a member of the SFPE planning Board, Live Safe Foundation Founder, Jill Marcinick, volunteered and assisted in event planning for the 20th Annual SFPE/OSU Burn Center Golf Outing. The event featured over 120 participants, all supporting the OSU Burn Center. Participants enjoyed a beautiful Autumn day on the golf course along with OSU Alumni President and 2 time Heisman Trophy Winner Archie Griffin who participated in the event. Archie Griffin attended the event to help support the cause and raise awareness for the OSU Burn Center.
SFPE Golf participant & Archie Griffin
Post golf festivities included a terrific Silent Auction, Raffle, Course Games, and a Check Ceremony providing a $20,000 check to Dr. Sidney Miller of the OSU Burn Center. A highlight of the evening was a heartfelt testimony from Guest Keynote Speaker, Firefighter Pat Malone, who shared his story of recovery from a tragic burn incident resulting from a Flashover that occurred last October 31, 2008. He expressed his sincere appreciation for the excellent care and therapy he received from the team of doctors at the OSU Burn Center.
Funds raised from the event are allocated to enhance education and prevention programs, as well as patient care.
Education:
- Community Outreach provides Burn and Fire Prevention programs at Fire Stations and schools.
- On-Campus Community Outreach activities provide education and literature to students as they arrive or return to campus.
- Ohio State’s Burn Center also participates in Burn Prevention Week, Fire Prevention Week and Homecoming activities to increase awareness of fire safety and prevention on-campus.
- Provider Education is conducted through programs such as ABLS education to burn care givers, the Fire Fighter for a Day program, as well as, providing education to staff through conferences and seminars.
Patient Care:
- Burn Discharge Dressing Kits have been provided to patients being discharged from care and are able to maintain care for their wounds at home.
- Buckeye Burn Support Group provides professional support and guidance to burn survivors and their families to help survivors resume functional, productive lives.
- Special items such as pressure garments, wigs, and equipment are purchased for patients who are otherwise unable to obtain these items.
- Additional assistance is provided to help patients with special needs in obtaining housing and clothing.
Fire sprinklers and extinguishers can make a difference, and you can too. Let’s fight this burning issue together!
For more information contact SFPE Member: Jill Marcinick, Founder of Live Safe. (If you have additional questions regarding Ohio State’s Burn Center education and programs, please contact Chris Casavant (OSU Burn Program Manager) at (614) 336-8374.)
