Severe burns, like those experienced by the victims of the Bali bombings and the recent spate of bushfires in Australia, could soon be healed faster with less complications thanks to innovative research into burns treatment funded by the Australian Red Cross Bali Appeal.
The Australian Red Cross has provided 328,300 Australia dollars (US$194,000) for the research project which aims to develop a new spray-on skin formulation and a dermal substitute to improve the speed of skin graft growth in the laboratory and on a patient's body.
The project involves the Australian Red Cross Blood Service and Queensland University of Technology. Clinical trials are expected to begin within a year.
"It was felt that this ground breaking research would be of great benefit to future burns victims as a result of similar events that occurred on 12 October 2002 in Bali, isolated home accidents or bushfires," said Brian Ward, vice-chairman of the Australian Red Cross.
The Red Cross believes the benefits from developing spray-on skin could be enormous. These could include an improved survival rate, a speedier return to normal life, less scarring, improved handling and increased use of cultured skin cells by surgeons as well as reduced physical and psychological trauma for patients and a reduced risk of infection.
"Over 6,500 people are hospitalised with serious burns in Australia each year, and the recovery process is a long and painful one," says Dr Robert Hetzel, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Red Cross Blood Service.
"We're grateful for the support of the Australian Red Cross Society, and especially the people who donated to the Bali Appeal, which will enable us to make a practical difference to treatment and outcomes for burns victims in the very near future," he adds.
Related links
Australian Red Cross - web site
8 Novemebr 2002 - Volunteers helped to cope with Bali trauma
1 November 2002 - A life-changing night in Bali
22 October 2002 - Red Cross continues to take lead in Bali response
14 October 2002 - Indonesian Red Cross quick on scene of Bali bombings
Indonesia - Appeals, Updates and Reports