HONOLULU (KHON2) — The six burn victims from the New Year’s Eve Aliamanu fireworks explosion incident are “on course” for recovery.
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Dr. Kevin Foster of Arizona Burn Center – Valleywise Health and Arizona Burn Foundation CEO Rex Albright provided an update on the victims and their families in a press conference on Friday, Jan. 17.
The Aliamanu victims were flown to the mainland on Jan. 4 to receive further medical treatment. Multiple Hawaii agencies assisted with the transport, with more than 30 military specialists with experience in air transport and aeromedical practices joining the trip to Arizona.
The flight left at 11 a.m. and arrived safely the same day.
According to Dr. Foster, each patient underwent their first surgery on Jan. 5 and continued with operations every two or three days since that time.
Dr. Foster added that all victims have 50% or more burns and will be spending between two to four months in the hospital, as well as additional time for rehabilitation.
As of now, all patients are still in a medically induced coma until most of the burns are covered.
Medical professionals are working to address cuts, scraps, abrasions and lacerations. Patients are said to have suffered traumatic injuries from flying particles and the debris carried in the air that resulted in infectious complications.
Rex Albright said the Arizona Burn Foundation is working with 20 family members of the six victims, offering lodging and transport assistance.
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The foundation is also working to prepare families to communicate with their loved ones once they wake up.
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