The first research laboratory in the Washington area to focus on burn injuries was dedicated September 15, 2009 at Washington Hospital Center, home of the only adult burn facility in the region. The space is named the Firefighters’ Burn and Surgical Research Laboratory, in honor of the many firefighters who raised the money and donated their time to renovate the lab space.

“Without the firefighters, this lab would not exist. They invested a lot of personal time to make it a reality, and we are extremely grateful to all of them,” said Marion Jordan, MD, director of the lab and The Burn Center at Washington Hospital Center. “This lab will allow us to do research that will advance the care of burn injuries,” added Dr. Jordan.

Some of the initial research projects will focus on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in burn wounds, treatment of electrical injuries and non-invasive imaging of burn injuries. Researchers from The Burn Center will conduct independent studies in the lab, and they will collaborate with scientists from The Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Georgetown University School of Medicine and The Catholic University of America.

Dr. Jordan noted the information gained through the lab will eventually impact the way people who survive burn injuries live. “The survival rate for burns has been pretty consistent for the last 20-30 years. But there is still a lot to learn about reducing and treating complications associated with burns. This lab gives us an added resource to gain the information that will make a difference.”

The lab is the second major project at the Hospital Center to be funded by the D.C. Firefighters Burn Foundation within the past year. The group also raised money to renovate the rehabilitation gym in The Burn Center.