CHICAGO [Jan. 14, 2025] — In the aftermath of the devastating New Year’s Eve fireworks explosion in Honolulu’s Salt Lake neighborhood, which overwhelmed Hawaiʻi’s burn care capacity, and the ongoing challenges posed by the recent California wildfires, the American Burn Association (ABA) recognizes the extraordinary efforts of burn care professionals and the critical role they play during such emergencies.
These incidents, which claimed lives and caused severe injuries, highlight the vital role of burn centers in providing specialized care. ABA-verified burn centers offer advanced training, resources, and life-saving procedures like escharotomies and fasciotomies to manage severe burn injuries and prevent complications. With multidisciplinary teams and a commitment to quality improvement, these centers ensure the best possible outcomes for burn patients.
“Among the most severely injured in the Hawai’i incident, six patients were transported to the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center – Valleywise Health, an ABA-verified burn center, where they received specialized care thanks to the expertise and preparedness of ABA members,” says Dr. Sharmila Dissanaike, president of the American Burn Association.
“Burn disasters like this highlight the importance of having a coordinated network of highly trained burn care specialists,” said Dr. Kevin Foster, Arizona Burn Center’s burn center medical director. “Our team delivers exceptional care during a patient’s most critical moments, with collaboration between burn centers ensuring every patient receives the help they need, even in the toughest situations.”
“The ABA is proud to be the leading resource for burn care expertise and disaster response,” said Dr. Kevin Bailey, ABA's Verification Review Committee chair. “ABA Verified Burn Centers meet the highest standards of quality care, providing comprehensive treatment from injury through rehabilitation, and focusing on patient safety, education, innovation, and continuous quality improvement.
“As the largest burn center in the western region, it is our commitment to the region and the ABA to step up and offer any support that is needed to burn providers,” said Dr. Arpana Jain, Arizona Burn Center’s attending burn surgeon. The recent event highlights this long-standing partnership in the western region, readiness and disaster preparation.
According to Jain, the Arizona Burn Center’s team includes ABA members such as Drs. Foster and Jain; burn surgeons and ABA members Drs. Lyndsay Deeter, Louis Ferrari, and John Sojka; physical therapist Derek Murray, supervisor of burn rehabilitation; and nursing leader Mark Romero, who implemented a flawless and detailed plan to simultaneously receive multiple critically ill burn survivors. These individuals, among others on the team, played pivotal roles in ensuring patients received comprehensive care tailored to their needs. From emergency surgeries to rehabilitative therapies, their work exemplifies the dedication of ABA members who consistently rise to meet the challenges of burn disasters, said Dissanaike.
Burn injuries are among the most complex and resource-intensive medical cases, requiring multidisciplinary care and a network of specialized facilities. According to Paul Pomerantz, ABA’s interim CEO, as Hawaiʻi faced its largest-ever influx of burn patients, the ABA and its members stepped in to provide life-saving expertise, reinforcing the critical need for national coordination and readiness in burn disaster scenarios.
“The collaboration between burn centers and the ABA is what makes it possible to manage events of this magnitude,” said Pomerantz. “This tragedy highlights the need for continued investment in burn care infrastructure and the vital role organizations like the ABA play in ensuring patient care is never compromised.”
The ABA extends its gratitude to the Straub Burn Unit in the Straub Benioff Medical Center and the Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center – Valleywise Health teams for their tireless efforts and to all burn care professionals who stand ready to respond to disasters, ensuring that every patient receives the specialized care they deserve.
How to Find a Verified Burn Center
Find an ABA-verified burn center near you by visiting the directory at ameriburn.org/verification. These centers uphold the highest standards of burn care, providing specialized treatments and resources.
How to Apply for Burn Center Verification
Burn centers seeking ABA verification can learn more about the application process at ameriburn.org/verification. The comprehensive review ensures centers meet rigorous standards in quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
Editor’s Note
For more information about ABA, or to request an interview with Drs. Bailey, Dissanaike, Foster, Jain, or Paul Pomerantz, contact Susan Urbanczyk at urbanczyk@ameriburn.org.
About the American Burn Association
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals, burn care organizations, and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit ameriburn.org.