Firefighter Burn Survivors Week

A burn injury can affect a firefighter’s life in many ways. Without exception, burns are life altering. They can also be career changing or life ending injuries. Burn scarring can affect mobility, appearance, and functional use of the extremities. Inhalation of smoke, burning debris and toxic byproducts of combustion may seriously or permanently damage the abilities to breathe, function and perform job-related duties.

The long-term effects of a burn are not just physical. Following a burn injury, firefighters are at risk of developing psychological trauma associated with the events of injury, a lack of confidence in their professional abilities, and stress related to the time away from the job. As a result of a burn, an injured firefighter must deal with the emotional, physical and financial challenges of recovery and a potentially career ending injury.

In partnership with the Adaptive Sports Center, the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation hosts an annual Firefighters Burn Survivors Week in Crested Butte, Colorado.  For more than 30 years, the Adaptive Sports Center has been improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through outdoor adventure activities. Programs they offer empower their participants in their daily lives and have an enduring impact on their health, self-confidence and well-being.

Participants enjoy a week of skiing, snowboarding, and ice-climbing while developing bonds with other firefighters that have suffered a severe line of duty burn injury.