A Safe Place to Heal: Heidi's Burn Journey and the Power of Wrap-Around Care
Six-year-old Heidi was playing at a birthday party when the accident happened – the hem of her dress caught fire from an outdoor fire pit.
She notified an adult immediately and was airlifted from her hometown in Nevada to UC Davis Medical Center’s emergency room. Overnight, she was transferred to Shriners Children’s Northern California.
Burn Care and Comfort at Shriners Children’s
Heidi’s mom, Stacy, was understandably concerned about her child being in the hospital so close to the holiday season. However, upon entering the doors of Shriners Children’s Northern California, those worries quickly faded. The lobby, decorated with Christmas trees, made it feel festive and cozy. Heidi’s nurse, Brooke, gave them a warm welcome and helped them get settled.
I know Heidi is in good hands. Whatever we need, Shriners Children’s will be there for us.
Heidi’s back and buttocks were badly burned, and required a skin graft surgery. A skin graft is the removal and placement of the patient’s healthy, unburned skin (donor site) on the area of the burn. They are highly effective in closing acute wounds quickly to help regulate body temperature, prevent infection and allow for proper body fluids to continue functioning. In Heidi’s case, skin from her legs was used on her back.
“I was so scared and nervous,” Stacy said. “But I was confident we were at the best, and that they would take care of it, despite how bad it would be.”
Before surgery, Heidi was seen by doctors on the burn team. Jason Heard, M.D., who is a burn survivor himself, let Heidi touch his skin grafts to see how they would look and feel for her. This was especially helpful to Stacy, who did not know what the outcome of the surgery would look like.
Kathleen Romanowski, M.D., was her surgeon, and both Heidi and Stacy loved her.
“She took a lot of time to explain what was going on,” said Stacy. “Even when I ran into her in the elevator, she walked with us down to Heidi’s room and answered all of my skin graft questions. I could tell she remembered everything about Heidi.”
After a successful surgery, Heidi was on the road to recovery.
Healing Through Play and Connection
Stacy had no idea how much down time was necessary after a burn injury. She soon learned that Shriners Children’s Northern California had a plethora of activities available to Heidi.
“I loved the fact that there were age-appropriate activities and a schoolroom,” she said. “Heidi loved painting, making slime, and watching the first responders during Good Night Lights. She was even able to get some schoolwork done.”
The schoolroom staff became a pillar in Heidi’s healing journey. Kerri, the schoolroom’s transitions coordinator, gave a presentation to Heidi’s teacher and class before she came back to school to help with her reintegration.
“It took away any questions Heidi would have, made everyone more comfortable with having Heidi back in the classroom,” said Stacy.
The child life department was also able to provide Heidi with age-appropriate explanations and demonstrations about her treatment. She received her favorite toy from child life specialist Erin – an Afleck duck. This toy allows the mimicking of medical procedures, including taking vitals, placing an IV, taking temperature and measuring the heartbeat. Affectionately named Marion after Heidi’s favorite Disney movie, Robin Hood, it continues to be a regular integration to Heidi’s playtime.
Heidi and her parents play with "Marion."
The Future Is Bright
Heidi will need additional procedures down the road, including laser surgeries.
“I know Heidi is in good hands,” said Stacy. “Whatever we need, Shriners Children’s will be there for us.”
