One can only fathom in their worst nightmare what a burn victim goes through. In a matter of seconds, their whole world crashes down, taking with it their life and soul. Physically disfigured and emotionally defeated, they go through years and years of peril.
The National burns centre, in Airoli was set up as a respite for such patients. It has only one motto, " To touch the life of suffering burns patients, understand their problems and provide solutions in terms of pain relief, scar management, deformity corrections and ultimately physical, psychological and social rehabilitation.
We, the 15 volunteers of Switch India, through it's Medical Education Cell got an opportunity to visit the NATIONAL BURNS CENTER
We were divided into groups of four and each group got a chance to fully study and observe the institute with its fabulous management.
Firstly we were acquainted with the Skin bank which is known to be India's only skin bank set up in 2009. There we were explained regarding the preservation of the Skin and how do they use it as and when required.
Next we were taken to the IBCU ( Intensive Burns Care Unit), where we saw really critical and recent burns' patients. It was a terrific sight to see those patients in so much pain but the good part was that they were given the best care and treatment possible such that not even a spec of dust could touch them.
Then we were taken to the dressing area where we saw some old patient's wound dressings and took their history. Followed by this we were taken to wards where there were patients from the age 7 to 70.
Regardless of their conditions, we could see a spark in those patient's eyes which clearly indicated a ray of hope, a ray of life and the willingness to get better.
Next we were taken to Operation Restore Ward where such patients are admitted who either had past failed burns'surgery or got delayed treatment or wrong treatment due to shortage of resources.
It was a good experience to interact with all the admitted patients who shared their feelings and sorrows.
Then came the most awaited part, we were taken to the operation theater wherein around 9 surgeries were showed in total for 4 consecutive days.
The surgical team included senior plastic surgeons, surgery registrars, nurses, a physiotherapist and Ward boys. It was a lifetime experience to be a part of these wonderful surgeries.
At the end we were taken to the Physiotherapy depart ment where we saw wonders of rehabilitation on the patients who had come for follow up.
The department was well equipped with all the necessary modalities. It was indeed a cheerful environment for the patients.
In all this was a great experience wherein we got to see and learn many new things and most importantly about life. We thank Switch India and NBC for letting us this opportunity and to make the best out of it.
