Loyce was using an outside fire as a heat source during the winter months when she experienced a seizure, falling face first into the fire.  Because cultural beliefs exist in these rural areas that epileptic fits are evidence of being “possessed”, Loyce was left to lie in the flames for an extended period of time until the seizure ceased.  She endured third degree burns to her face and back and fourth degree burns to her scalp that extended to the depth of her skull.  Multiple specialized procedures by the Africa Burn Relief team and the local staff were performed to keep Loyce alive over a full years’ hospitalization period.  During the teams absence, Loyce was followed by primitive telemedicine devices to aid the local staff in her treatment plan and surgical recommendations.  Loyce returns to the hospital every so often to visit the dedicated nurses and the burn patients in the surgical ward to provide them confidence and inspiration on their way to recovery.

In 2010, Loyce was hired by ABR as a prevention teacher. Monthly she provides education to inpatient children and their parents on fire safety, first aid and prevention via our published book Luka’s Safety Adventure.

2006

Initial Presentation

3 months

6 months

10 months

Healed

Discharge

Patient name:Loyce

Mechanism of burn:Flame Burn, Fell into Fire during Seizure

Age of initial burn injury:39 years

Total body surface area involved:8%