Injured children are usually taken from the scene of the injury by emergency medical technicians, transported immediately to the nearest hospital, and then transferred to a Shriners burn facility. Those arriving at MGH are brought to Shriners through a tunnel that connects the two hospitals. To the layman, what happens in rapid succession after the child arrives blends into a blur of activity. While surgeons and nurses are evaluating the child's condition and beginning treatment, medical photography is alerted to begin a photographic record of treatment. Family services and care coordination professionals meet with family members to determine their immediate needs, ease their fears and arrange for a place to stay.
Rehabilitation also begins on the day of admission.
A team approach to rehabilitation includes physical, occupational, child life and recreational therapists. A burn injury results in radical changes in a child's nutritional needs. Nutritionists are an important part of the healthcare team. They record and analyze food and fluid intake and plan diet therapy that will promote healing and be appealing to the patient. Because of his severe burns, Michael needs constant TLC, as provided by Holly Ouelette, a student physical therapist.