New Zealand orders 1.2 million sq cm of skin from US to treat volcano patients – Sky News, Sky.com
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New Zealand has ordered 1.2 million sq cm of skin from America to treat patients suffering burns of up to (***********************************************************************************************************************************************% after Monday’s volcano eruption.
Surgeons have been working around the clock on 31 patients in burns units across the country since the volcano suddenly erupted on White Island, off New Zealand’s North Island.
Six people have been confirmed dead following the eruption, while two British women are believed to be among 34 in hospital.
The bodies of eight people are thought to be on the island as ever-increasing volcanic activity is preventing authorities from safely returning to it.
Due to the unprecedented numbers of burn victims at one time and the nature of their burns from toxic volcanic gases, surgeons are having to work quicker than usual, said Dr Peter Watson, clinical director at Middlemore Hospital where the national burns unit is.
He said 1.2 million sq cm of skin is coming from the United States as they “urgently need more skin grafts”.
A number of patients have burns on up to 95% of their bodies, while the average is – (%, andremain on airway support due to burns affecting their lungs.
A human body has approximately 24 sqm of skin, with the palm of a hand about 1.5% of a body’s skin, doctors explained.
Surgeons estimated they have hours of operations to do in the days and months ahead.
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