NOT EVERY WOUND IS VISIBLE — AND NOT EVERY INJURED WORKER GETS A SECOND CHANCE
Far too often, occupational injuries leave behind more than just physical scars — they shatter lives, careers, and futures. From cancers and chronic illnesses to lasting impairments caused by dangerous working conditions, the ripple effects of these injuries extend far beyond the initial trauma. Yet, an alarming disconnect persists between how our healthcare and legal systems define disability and the harsh realities faced by those living with the aftermath of workplace injuries. While benefits exist for those who meet narrowly defined criteria, countless individuals with permanent, life-altering damage are left without the support and recognition they so desperately need.
This article calls attention to a long-overlooked crisis and rallies for meaningful reform. It amplifies the voices of advocates, survivors, and healthcare pioneers who demand a more compassionate, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to occupational health. It’s a call to reexamine how we define disability, who we choose to support, and how we can finally bridge the divide between cutting-edge medicine and the people it was meant to serve.
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NEW HEALTH CRUSADE: COALITION OF EXPERTS IN INJURY CARE & ADVOCATES FOR THE DISABILED
FROM TRAUMATIC INJURY TO REHABILITATION TO LIFESTYLE CHANGE
The NDC covers a much wider scope of care and awareness. Though launched to support first responders, the coalition never shies away from anyone in search of support. With its already-growing set of health professionals, research materials, service providers and rehab innovations, the first half of the year is dedicated to uniting some of the key associations and resources.
LEARNING THE WORLD OF REHAB IN CONGRESS By: Gina Adams / IPHA News Editor *ACRM: I attended the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine 102nd Annual Fall Conference & EXPO in Chicago from 27–30 October. This inspiring venue provided the perfect setting for the world’s most passionate rehabilitation professionals, researchers, clinicians and consumers to come together to connect, share insights and shape the future of rehabilitation medicine. The ACRM Annual Fall Conference is truly unique. It’s the only event that brings together every member of the rehabilitation team, across all disciplines and professions from around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, beginning your journey, or simply curious about rehabilitation research, ACRM offers an inclusive, welcoming environment that fosters collaboration, innovation and personal growth.  |
Future conferences are being scheduled around the advancement of Burn Care between legislators, industry associations, health providers and the growing advocacy alliance comprising the NDC. Senior coordinators have alluded to a major upcoming drive to join functional health practices who support victims of the recent disasters inspired by the Eaton and Palisades fires that swept across L.A. County. Also, talks of proposing educational and clinical programs about occupational injuries for labor unions and industrial associations.
AFTERMATH:
REGENERATIVE CARE FOR VICTIMS AND RESPONDERS
"Dr. Lesie" is recognized as a national ranking health member of the Firefighters Against Cancer & Exposures (F.A.C.E.S.) and is a staunch advocate for non-invasive modalities to address chronic issues. For emergency responder, she introduced the most notable regenerative innovations from top developers worldwide. Advancements such as near infrared laser/light therapy (PBMT), neuromagnetics (PEMF), biofeedback, hyperbaric therapy, heart rate variability, ozone therapy, vitamin infusions- to name but a few.
Today, Dr. Leslie continues to volunteer her health services to the many responders of the L.A. fires of 2025 and she reports on the many unique and chronic health issues accrued by the rescue members.
THE VALUE OF COLLABORATION
By: Roger Simpson, MD
▪ Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery ▪ Facial Paralysis Reanimation
▪ Past President Long Island Plastic Surgical Group
Multidisciplinary partnerships are the basis for mitigating the complexities of acute burn care in our Center. Dr. Bard’s concept of collaboration of survivor support groups with the
medical community is essential in maximizing advancements that will
enhance recovery. Dan Gropper and I share a patient-doctor relationship.
I have had the ability to follow his acute recovery
and his long-term rehabilitation. Early on in his care, he was an
advocate for quality burn recovery, directly aiding patients
hospitalized or in a rehabilitative program. His positive attitude was
recognized by the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.
His work towards functional recovery has been an inspiration for not
only those patients injured by burns, but also those who sustained
functional disabilities following other traumatic injuries. Danny leads
by example. Working closely with his brother, together
they have been creative in their approach toward functional disability,
getting very positive results. Understanding the injury and the
possibilities for improvement are the basis for open communication that
can advance our collective knowledge of the problem
and the solution. He also sees the patient as a whole, from a different
perspective. The core behind the NDC program is a fine example of collaboration of multidisciplinary fields working
together to improve treatment strategies, achieving greater functional
recovery.
Exposures: Occupational Hazards in Today’s Emergency Response By: Captain Chris Conner (Bedford TX Fire Dept)
On-the-Job Injuries
Firefighters today are experiencing more on-the-job injuries than ever before. While our protective gear has improved significantly over generations, we are still seeing an increase in thermal and chemical burns. The variety of hazardous materials we encounter has expanded, and with different materials burning at varying rates and temperatures, injuries often manifest later—sometimes as delayed burning sensations. Chemical burns, in particular, have become a growing concern.
Another critical exposure risk occurs after the fire is extinguished. Once firefighters remove their air packs and begin overhaul operations, they are still exposed to lingering toxins in the air. This phase of firefighting poses a significant health risk that many may not immediately recognize.
Hydrogen Cyanide Exposure
Wildland Firefighting Exposures
When wildfires move into populated areas, exposure risks increase exponentially. Residential neighborhoods contain a wide variety of hazardous materials—pool chemicals, propane tanks, and other household substances—that create additional dangers.
The unpredictability of what is burning adds another layer of risk to an already perilous situation.
The unpredictability of what is burning adds another layer of risk to an already perilous situation.
Building Construction and Toxic Exposures
REFERENCE:
1) Cyanide intoxication as part of smoke inhalation - a review on diagnosis and treatment from the emergency perspective
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3058018/#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20occurrence%20of,only%20glowing%20embers%20%5B7%5D.
INSIGHTS FROM THE FRONT LINES: An interview with Dr. Dianne Rudolph - wound care specialist
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I’ve been Wound Care certified for quite a few years. I first obtained my wound certification in 1996 after attending a program at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Since then, I’ve been practicing wound care in various capacities. In 2004, I became a nurse practitioner and naturally incorporated my passion for wound care into my practice as an advanced clinician. Over the years, I’ve worked in multiple settings, including acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics, long-term care, home health, and hospice/palliative care.
Currently, I work with Tenet, a large hospital corporation in San Antonio, Texas, where I practice both in inpatient and outpatient settings. In our busy clinic, we specialize in wound and hyperbaric medicine, and I also round on inpatients who require wound care.
Wound Care Certification
Another highly reputable organization is the American Board of Wound Management (AABWM), which offers the Certified Wound Specialist (CWS) designation. Depending on your education and training, you can obtain a CWS certification as an advanced practice clinician, physician, or nurse.
There are also other respected organizations, such as the Wound Care Education Institute. While I can’t name all of them off the top of my head, I strongly believe that certification is important. It demonstrates a clinician’s proficiency and specialized skills in wound care, which is far more complex than simply choosing the right dressing. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the patient’s overall health and healing process.
I’ve published several articles and contributed chapters to books, including Chronic Wound Care by Dr. Jay Shah and his Wound Care Certification Guide. My journey in wound care began with my training at MD Anderson Cancer Center. At the time, they had a specialty program that combined classroom instruction with clinical experience. Since MD Anderson is at the forefront of cancer care, their interest in wound, ostomy, and incontinence education likely stemmed from their work with patients undergoing treatment for intestinal malignancies, which often required ostomy management.
Wound Care and Dermatology
There is significant overlap between wound care and dermatology. For example, we often see patients in our clinic with atypical lesions that require biopsies, which sometimes reveal malignancies. In such cases, we refer them back to dermatology for further excision or Mohs surgery. Conversely, dermatologists refer patients to us when wounds are not healing properly. We frequently manage non-healing wounds that develop after excisions for basal or squamous cell carcinomas.
Advances in Wound Care in the U.S.
Alongside traditional wound care techniques, we’re seeing an exciting rise in advanced topical therapies, as well as a more holistic approach to patient management. For instance, a diabetic patient with poor glycemic control will struggle to heal, regardless of the wound care interventions used. Similarly, vascular ulcers won’t improve unless perfusion, venous, or lymphatic issues are addressed.
Emerging Technologies in Wound Diagnostics
Advanced imaging and diagnostic tools are underutilized in wound care, often due to insurance limitations and access issues. However, promising technologies include:
• Near-infrared imaging, such as the Snapshot tool, which allows us to assess tissue perfusion noninvasively.
• Bacterial mapping technologies, like the MolecuLight, which helps us determine bacterial bioburden in a wound before and after debridement.
• Transcutaneous oxygen measurements (TCOM), which measure tissue oxygenation and help assess a patient’s healing potential, often used in hyperbaric medicine.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Insurance restrictions limit the use of hyperbarics, but we commonly treat:
• Diabetic foot ulcers
• Gas gangrene
• Compromised surgical flaps
• Crush injuries
• Radiation-induced wounds
• Gas gangrene
• Compromised surgical flaps
• Crush injuries
• Radiation-induced wounds
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been beneficial in these cases, though its accessibility depends on insurance coverage.
Legal Aspects of Wound Care
Challenges in Wound Care: Denial, Neglect, and Fungating Lesions
In my experience—especially in home care and palliative settings—I’ve seen many patients with late-stage cancer present with fungating lesions, which can be extremely difficult to manage. A crucial issue in wound care is the psychological and emotional component of seeking treatment. Some patients delay care due to denial, fear, financial concerns, or lack of knowledge. Understanding these barriers is essential to improving patient outcomes.
Women’s Health and Wound Care
Wound care overlaps significantly with women’s health. Many patients require wound care following mastectomies or gynecological surgeries. Additionally, research suggests that menopause may affect wound healing, yet this area remains largely unexplored. Hormonal changes could impact healing outcomes, making this an important topic for further study. Historically, menopause was seen as an inevitable phase with little medical intervention. However, as awareness grows, more women are seeking treatments to manage its effects. I find this a fascinating and valuable area to explore further.
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