Teacher/Faculty Education The Journey Back Resources to assist school reentry after burn injury or traumatic loss Teacher/Faculty Education Recommend inserting a photo of the returning student.

Attention!! Use the outline from The Journey Back manual Revised Version II pp. 63-66 Follow along to learn about burn injury and recovery. Introduction to the child and story. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

A. Layers of the skin 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

1. First Degree Burns: superficial, similar to a sunburn (pictured left) 2. Second Degree Burns: Damage the next layer of skin and may or may not require surgery (pictured middle) 3. Third Degree Burns: Damages the skin layers and cannot heal without surgery (pictured right—healed with scarring) Relate to the returning student’s burn injury 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

B. What happens when the injured skin requires surgery? The damaged skin is removed in surgery, healthy skin is taken from another area of the body and placed over the injured area to promote healing. a. Skin grafts are smooth, although the skin may heal with puffiness. b. Mesh grafts look like netting. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

2. Scar tissue that tightens or contracts may require further surgery. a. Doctors may release the contracted scar tissue b. Tissue expanders are placed to stretch skin c. Some surgeries require a flap (deep tissue) to repair the area 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

C. Burn recovery requires a number of therapies Therapies provide opportunities for optimal healing. Scar tissue heals differently for each individual. Physical and occupational therapists help to restore movement and daily living activities. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

a. Exercises will be prescribed as needed b. Garments to flatten the scars will be fitted as needed c. Frequent outpatient visits may be necessary 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

4. Psychosocial care is important a. Burn injury and treatment can bring trauma, loss and grief to the child and family. b. Monitoring the child’s emotional health is essential. Trauma symptoms may surface months after the injury. c. Care needs to be given to the entire family who also could be suffering from trauma, grief and loss. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

II. Leaving the hospital A. This milestone may bring mixed emotions to the child and family. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

Parents/guardians have to do the work of a 6-10 person burn team. The hospital may be a place that is secure, safe and accepting. Leaving the hospital may cause fear of acceptance in public. Leaving the hospital may cause feelings of liberation from the rules of recovery. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

It takes time to re-adjust to living at home without daily interaction of the burn team. Parents/guardians may have the added stress of performing dressing changes, daily bathes, medications and therapies plus daily responsibilities. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

III. Returning to School Reestablishing peer relationships is a significant part of promoting healthy social and emotional development. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

B. The Goals of a Reentry Program Assist with the transition back to school. Empower the returning student. Inform faculty of the story of the returning student. Inform and demystify the student body’s knowledge of the story of the returning student. Encourage empathy and tolerance to differences. If applicable, provide information on prevention of fires/burns. Provide tools for the survivor to encourage positive coping techniques and socialization in his peer group. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

C. In the Classroom Encourage supportive and accepting behaviors without favoritism. Model how to set boundaries and how to talk about his or her injury to classmates. Utilize activities and tools to educate students about burn injury and recovery. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

4. Stay connected with the family to maintain consistent support and monitoring of the child’s physical, social and emotional health. 5. Burn injury should not be an excuse to avoid assignments and homework. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

D. Common Issues of Returning Students Frequent absences Tires easily Itching Overheating Medication side effects Assistance with garments Activities may have limitations or need adaptations Sun protection Frequent communication with the family Students may feel self-conscious, nervous, withdrawn, or exhausted 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

IV. Where to go with Questions or Concerns First contact the family for information or permission to contact others. The child’s counselor, pediatrician, school reentry coordinator or burn team if still following his or her care. The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is the only national organization helping burn survivors everywhere get back to living. Contact for a wealth of information and resources. 800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org

800.888.2876 | www.phoenix-society.org