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A body covered with soot, smoke in the air;
The burning of flesh, a victim comes here.
The pouring of water, the debridement of skin;
Hypothermia an enemy, a heating blanket rushed in.
Dry dressings and assorted ointments for various wound care;
Respiratory therapist alerted, "Bring a ventilator here!"
Many I.V. fluids infusing; the normal saline flows free
Adjusting the rate, calculating every c.c.
Family members waiting in a room nearby,
Many questions to answer, the most important being,
"Why?"
The doctor with the patient attempting to see
The extent of the burn, the depth and degree.
Monitors alarming, call bells blinking on the wall;
A ringing phone; Oh My! another admission call.
Above the sound of the noise and equipment,
A comforting voice you will hear,
"You're in The Burn Unit,
"And we're nurses' who care."
Nina Maria Incollingo, RN
Temple University Hospital
Philadelphia
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