Burn victims carry their scars on their bodies for life

Burn victims carry their scars on their bodies for life, a reality made painfully clear by the devastating wildfires that swept through the Mati area of Eastern Attica on July 23, 2018. That day, flames consumed pine trees around homes, forcing residents to flee in desperation. Among those affected was Marianthi Chandrinou, then 17, and her mother, who escaped to the sea before the fire reached them. Both ended up spending 47 days at the Latsio Burn Center of Thriasio Hospital, enduring the physical and emotional toll of severe burns. Chandrinou suffered injuries to her calves, nearly her entire left arm, and part of her right arm. She described the experience as transformative, stating she “became an adult there, in a bed, without having the strength and courage to dream like other people my age.” The fire claimed 104 lives and left many others with lifelong injuries. Approximately 90 burn victims were hospitalized in five different hospitals in 2018, with 17 of them dying during treatment. The Greek national health system faced unprecedented challenges managing the mass casualty incident, dealing with shortages of medical supplies and personnel stretched thin. Nurses and doctors worked tirelessly under immense pressure, often going beyond their call of duty to meet the needs of patients suffering from extensive burns. Eight years after the disaster, the long-term effects of the fire continue to shape the lives of survivors. Chandrinou spoke of the ongoing struggle with her injuries, including the need for daily application of special regenerative creams, the use of silicone sheets and pressure garments, and the avoidance of sunlight. She noted how stress or humidity could trigger unbearable itching, making everyday life difficult. Others among the Mati victims endured even greater hardships, with some requiring prolonged and costly recovery processes. Efforts to address these challenges began soon after the fire. Alexis Andronopoulos and Marina Karyda, volunteers with the Mati Residents’ Coordinating Committee, took it upon themselves to document the number of burn victims and assist with their needs. They described the situation as “warlike” at the time, noting that hospitals were unprepared for such a crisis. Patients were often wrapped in bandages like mummies, and resources for rehabilitation were scarce. The lack of coverage for post-hospitalization care placed a heavy financial burden on families, with costs for items like creams and silicone sheets reaching over €1,000 per month per patient. A turning point came in 2019 when 20 Swiss specialists visited Athens to assess the condition of burn victims. Their evaluation revealed that some individuals had scars too severe for surgical intervention, while others could benefit significantly from physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Inspired by this assessment, Andronopoulos and Karyda continued their advocacy work, leading to the creation of the first burn registry in 2020. This initiative allowed forest fire victims to access necessary medications and treatments through the state-run EOPYY healthcare fund. Building on this progress, the pair founded Salvia, an organization dedicated to supporting burn victims, in 2022. That same year, the National Burn Registry was established, encompassing all burn victims, whether from forest fires, urban incidents, or other causes. A committee was subsequently formed to draft a National Burn Response Action Plan, submitting its recommendations to the Ministry of Health. Earlier this year, a working group was assembled to develop a curriculum for further training and response protocols. The journey of burn survivors like Chandrinou underscores the lasting impact of the 2018 fire. While systemic improvements have been made, the road to recovery remains arduous for many. Survivors continue to navigate the complexities of their injuries, relying on both medical advancements and community support to rebuild their lives.