Firefighters Burn Institute

Geographic areas served: The direct regional service area extends from Bakersfield to the south, Napa to the west, the Oregon border to the north, and Nevada border to the east. (Approximately 50% of the territory of the State)

Programs: Burn survivor recovery support - assure the most advanced burn care is available to those who require it by financially supporting the purchase of medical equipment, promoting and supporting construcion of and improvements to burn treatment facilities and supporting skilled burn care professionals, firefighters and first responders with continuing education grants, scholarships and classes. Burn recovery programs:the firefighters kids camp is a special summer camp for young burn survivors, which incorporates psychosocial elements in order to help the children deal with their scars and disfigurement, as well as physical elements to help build confidence and self esteem. An adult burn survivor retreat and a burn survivor cruise provide the unique opportunity for adults and families who have been affected by the pain, disfigurement and life changes resulting from a serious burn injury to meet with others who have gone through a similar experience. The programs provide a forum to encourage healing from the inside out, learning to cope with grief, anger and emotions, overcoming fears and building confidence, and providing a safe environment for discussing intimate relationships, sexuality and disfigurement. Monthly recovery group meetings provide a forum where patients, family and friends are encouraged and educated about the burn injury and recovery process. Burn recovery social gatherings and events are scheduled throughout the year to bring together burn survivors, firefighters, volunteers and friends of the firefighters burn institute to the benefit of all participants. "little heroes" preschool burn camp is a model burn recovery program designed for pre-school burn survivors ages 3 to 6 years old and their families. This unique three-day program includes physical therapy, social and skill-building activities for pre-school childen who have suffered severe burns, while also providing on-site education, counseling and support for the child's caregivers and siblings.

outreach - provide burn program information to organizations, groups and individuals; provide education and publicity about the availability of burn programs and services; give reports, make public presentations and increase awareness about the firefighters burn institute; collaborate with other non-profit organizations and individuals, contribute to other organizations with similar purposes and missions, and recognize and encourage those who suport burn care, preventions and recovery.

burn prevention - regional juvenile firesetter program is an intervention program for youth who play with or set fires. Children are assessed, provided fire safety education and if needed, referred for professional counseling. Fire and burn prevention literature and materials are made available for community education at no cost. Safety fairs are hosted and coordinated to bring the message of burn prevention and fire safety to large numbers of people.