Blocker Burn Unit demonstrates it is 'Here for the Health of Texas'

SEPT. 21, 2004--When a July 31 gas explosion in an apartment unit owned by Texas A&M University severely injured four people, the UTMB Blocker Burn Unit responded. Several other hospitals were closer to the College Station campus, but UTMB was the hospital of choice.

The 6-bed Blocker Burn Unit normally has two nurses on duty and was near capacity that night, so the influx of four new patients put a strain on resources. But the staff didn’t let the strain keep them from providing needed care. Off-duty staff answered the call for help and, before long, almost the entire burn team was working to treat the new patients.

“Burn injuries like this don’t happen all the time, so when they do happen, it’s a big deal,” said Colleen James, R.N., B.S.N., nurse manager for the Blocker Burn Unit. “I’m not surprised that my staff responded the way they did, because they are a dedicated group of individuals and would want others to do the same for them if they were faced with the same situation. They look out for each other.”

In addition to the four victims of the A&M fire, two additional burn victims were admitted to the Blocker Burn Unit on July 31, which made for a very busy night.

“It’s hard to work here—it is physically and emotionally demanding," James said. "Burns are such a catastrophic injury for so many families, but our team comes together in their dedication to the patients. They are just a phenomenal group.”