She had bought the product from the supermarket and followed the instructions to the letter. On the bottle it was written that it was 98% sulfuric acid. But if he had any inkling that it was vitriol, he wouldn’t have bought it. He poured the caulking liquid down the sink, but as it came into contact with water droplets left in the drain, an explosion occurred. “He threw himself at my legs, set my pants on fire and started burning me too,” she recalls. Stella Platanou.
It was May 2022 when he was injured with severe burns within two feet of it an accident. He had to be hospitalized for days at the AHEPA and “Papanikolau” hospitals in Thessaloniki and then continue the painful routine of recovering from his burns. “It took a long time for the wounds to heal. I had to stay in a dark room, so that the sun could not see my feet. I had to wear special compression garments, get treatments and cortisone injections,” “K” says Ms. Plating.
He remembers that the first thing he anxiously asked the doctors was when he would be able to run again. Long distances were her way of life. He was catching his breath from running, as it turns out. But he had to be patient. The first time she got to wear sneakers after the accident, she didn’t do well.
Post-traumatic stress
After the accident, he was showing symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Maybe the sound of the water running through the pipes even worried her. He had nightmares that he was on fire or that he was in front of the same shelf in the supermarket buying the liquid. In this course of rehabilitation, Ms. Platanou says he got support in Salviathe non-governmental organization that cares for burn and burn victims in Greece. Salvia was created by Marina Karyda and for him Alexis Andronopouloswho voluntarily began to support her dozens of burn victims fatal fire in Mati and in Eastern Attica in 2018. With their interventions, the National Burns Registry was established, where burns from accidents, forest or urban fires or other incitements are included, to the medicines, medical and regenerative preparations and other materials that are needed while covering the job. -hospital care.
“I will take something from the strength of the people there, who will not give up and fight,” says Stella Platanou about the moment she will spend outside the Eye.
Discharge from hospital usually begins a long journey for them burns. Their injuries may require daily care, depending on their extent and cause, even years after their injury. In some cases, new surgeries and skin grafts may be needed to regain mobility. Scars, however, are also etched in the souls of those who have burned.
The second time
Ms. After the support she received from Salvia, Platanou wanted to offer the same help and supports other burn victims through the organization. On Sunday he will run to The Athens Marathon this time wearing the organization’s logo on his T-shirt. She will fight, as she points out, for her own family, for her doctor, “for all the burn victims”. This is the second time he has been asked to cover the 42km distance and the first time since the accident.
“Even though I’m less trained than last time, because treatments and pain have kept me away from a lot of training, I believe in myself,” she says. “There will be people with me, in my mind and in my heart, all those who have shared their own thoughts on being burned, and who will give me strength.”
The Marathon route also passes outside Mati and Ms. Platanou has been waiting for this moment. “I’m going to be overwhelmed with excitement,” he says. “I know my running speed will be faster there, I will take something from the strength of the people there, who will not give up and fight.”
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Burn Care Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we are delving into a very serious topic that has affected many lives, particularly regarding burn injuries resulting from household accidents. Joining us is Dr. Eleni Tsakalou, a burn care specialist with extensive experience in treating burn victims and advocating for burn prevention. Dr. Tsakalou, thank you for being with us today.
Dr. Tsakalou: Thank you for having me. It’s important to bring attention to these issues.
Editor: Recently, we came across a harrowing story about a man who suffered severe burns after accidentally pouring a caulking liquid—containing 98% sulfuric acid—down the sink. This incident escalated quickly, causing an explosion that resulted in serious injuries. What do you find most alarming about incidents like these?
Dr. Tsakalou: It’s heartbreaking to see such preventable tragedies occur. Products like sulfuric acid are often readily available in supermarkets, and many consumers aren’t aware of the potential dangers. Unfortunately, the labeling can sometimes be misleading or insufficient, leading to disastrous consequences.
Editor: It appears that the individual in this case not only suffered physical injuries but was also deeply affected psychologically. The article mentioned post-traumatic stress symptoms manifesting in nightmares and anxiety. How common is this among burn victims?
Dr. Tsakalou: Very common, indeed. The trauma associated with severe burns extends beyond physical injuries. Many patients experience PTSD, which can include flashbacks, nightmares, or intense anxiety around triggers, such as the sound of running water in this case. Support systems are crucial in the rehabilitation process.
Editor: Speaking of support systems, the article mentioned an organization called Salvia that helps burn victims in Greece. How essential are such organizations in aiding recovery?
Dr. Tsakalou: Organizations like Salvia play a vital role. They not only provide psychological support and rehabilitation resources but also advocate for burn victims’ rights, push for better safety regulations, and raise awareness about burn prevention. In Greece, where Salvia was founded after tragic incidents like the fires in Mati, their work is even more crucial for community healing.
Editor: It seems the establishment of the National Burns Registry is another significant step in addressing this issue. Can you tell us about its importance?
Dr. Tsakalou: The National Burns Registry is incredibly important for both prevention and treatment. It helps track incidents and understand the causes behind them, which can inform public health policies and safety regulations. Furthermore, it ensures that resources are allocated efficiently to meet the needs of burn victims.
Editor: Returning to our subject, the patient expressed a desire to return to running after his recovery. What role does physical activity play in the rehabilitation of burn victims?
Dr. Tsakalou: Physical activity is often a key component in recovery. It helps improve mobility and flexibility in affected areas, which is essential after burn injuries. Psychologically, it can boost morale and motivate patients through their rehabilitation journey. However, it’s important to approach it cautiously, as the body can take time to heal properly.
Editor: With increasing awareness about the dangers of household chemicals, what steps do you recommend that consumers take to ensure their safety when using such products?
Dr. Tsakalou: Consumers should always read labels carefully and follow the instructions exactly. If a product has warnings or seems potentially harmful, it’s better to err on the side of caution. Additionally, proper storage of hazardous materials, keeping them out of reach of children, and using personal protective equipment can drastically reduce risk.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tsakalou, for shedding light on this critical topic. It’s clear that both prevention and support are essential in the lives of burn victims. As always, your insights are invaluable.
Dr. Tsakalou: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues. Let’s continue to spread awareness and advocate for safety in our communities.