Update on DC firefighters: Chuck Ryan still critical, but improving. One released & two in good condition.
Previous coverage from STATter911.com here & here
IAFF Local 36
Riverdale VFD
DC says there will be an internal investigation into injuries
We have updates from various sources on the firefighters burned Friday at a house fire in Northeast Washington. DC Fire & EMS Department spokesman Pete Piringer tells STATter911.com that all of the firefighters are making good progress, including Chuck Ryan who was critically burned. FF Warren Deavers was released from the hospital yesterday which leaves Lt. Robert Alvarado and Sgt. Ramon Hounshell in good condition at the Medstar Burn Unit of the Washington Hospital Center. FF Theodore Douglas was treated and released on Friday.
Here is more on Chuck Ryan in a message this morning from PGFD's Mark Brady. Ryan is the chief of the Riverdale VFD:
Riverdale Volunteer Fire Chief and District of Columbia Career Fire Fighter Charles Ryan remains in “critical” but stable condition at the Burn Unit of the Washington Hospital Center. Ryan sustained 2nd and 3rd degree burns on over 40% of his body in an early Friday morning fire in northeast Washington, DC where he was working.
Even though he remains intubated, medical staff had him up taking slow and measured laps around the Intensive Care Unit of the Burn Center. Family, close personal friends and fellow firefighters have had a constant presence at the hospital. Chuck has been able to communicate via facial expressions and written/typed words. One of his very first communications was to inquire about the welfare of his crewmembers.
Whenever a firefighter, regardless of department affiliation, is injured and hospitalized in the Burn Unit, a fraternity of previous burn center patients return and help families and friends of the injured to understand the healing process. Retired PGFD Fire Lieutenant Dino Mahaffey and his wife spent time at the hospital over the weekend. The Mahaffey’s spent time with Chuck’s family and firefighters helping them to understand the healing process and to reinforce the knowledge that the Burn Unit of the Washington Hospital Center is the best possible place to be at this time and that burn patients have the very best physician in Dr. Marion Jordan, director of the Washington Hospital Center's Burn Unit.
Steve Lamphier, Volunteer President of the Riverdale Fire/EMS Station, stated late Sunday night, “Chuck continues to make remarkable progress, the medical staff is continuing to assess his burns and has reported some positive news.” He added, “Chuck still can not have visitors. Thanks to everyone for their continued support and thoughts.”
Medical staff will re-evaluate Ryan's condition today and possibly remove the intubutaion tube; another positive sign in the road to recovery.
Here is the latest from the Riverdale VFD website, posted yesterday afternoon:
Chief Ryan contniues to make great progress. He was able to complete 4 laps around the ICU today and is still intubated at this time. He is still unable to receive visitors other than family and we are hoping that sometime this week that will change. Once we receive notification, we will make that information available online.
We continue to thank all of those who have offered assistance and words of encouragement during this crisis. Please continue to keep all of these firefighters in your thoughts and prayers as they continue their road to recovery.
SUNDAY UPDATE: All of the hospitalized members are doing well. One is scheduled to be released this afternoon; two are being evaluated for possible release early next week, and even the most seriously injured member has been up walking around, and communicating with visiting members. All will have significantly lengthy recovery periods in the weeks and months ahead.
SATURDAY UPDATE: DC Firefighters Burn Foundation liaison personnel are standing watch at the Washington Hospital Center's Burn Unit, and assisting the family members of the injured firefighters. They are happy to report that the members conditions are all improving. They were also thankful for the assistance and visitation of Ret. Lt. Joe Morgan. The members are being closely overseen by Dr. Marion Jordan, and his amazing staff at the Burn Center. Local 36 has received questions regarding retired members being able to donate blood from areas other than the Washington Metro Area. When this information is known, we will pass it along to all members, so that everyone may continue to assist. Local 36 & the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation would like to thank it's members for the outpouring of support for the hospitalized members, and also extend a heartfelt thanks to the United States Park Police, the Maryland State Police Helicopter Division, the Prince Georges County MD. Fire Department, and the Montgomery County MD. Fire Dept. for their invaluable assistance during our time of need.
