Explosion causes severe burns

In early March, a gas tank exploded in Ukraine injuring seven people and killing one.

Vladimir was one of the seven people injured by the incident. The violent explosion severely burned any skin that was exposed, including Vladimir’s hands, face, both arms and neck.

“First, we were taken to the regional district hospital, but we only stayed for a few hours. Then I was transferred to another hospital into the acute care department. The doctors had to transplant skin from my back,” he explains.

After initial treatment of his injuries, Vladimir began working with HI physical therapists to support his healing process with rehabilitation exercises.

“During the first week I was discharged from the acute care unit, I started physical therapy” says Vladimir. “I have been doing stretches and exercises for my fingers, because the skin needs to be stretched so it can move again.”

“This is typical of the types of war-related injuries we have been seeing in Ukraine,” says Violette Van Bever, HI emergency rehabilitation manager. “Blasts from explosive weapons are causing significant burns and amputations in some cases. In cases like this, rehabilitation is paramount to ensure proper healing of the skin. Otherwise, the joints can shorten, thicken and lose their flexibility, preventing patients from being able to move as they heal.”

HI rehabilitation supports healing

 “If I compare my condition and the flexibility of my burned fingers with the guys who were discharged before me, my results are much better. If I had been at home by myself, I wouldn’t have been able to use these special splints or bandages, so this has been very important for me and for others.”

When Vladimir is discharged from the hospital, he plans to return for weekly follow-up with his rehabilitation specialists as his healing process continues.