One of Australia’s highest regarded surgeon’s is in Greece assisting with the recovery of victims of the tragic fires.
Royal Adelaide Hospital Adult Burns medical director John Greenwood arrived and began assisting with surgeries at the KAT hospital in Athens on Sunday.
The 2016 South Australian of the Year has been granted special exemptions from the Greek government to utilise a synthetic skin he developed to aide in the recovery process of victims, the ABC reported.
Royal Adelaide Hospital Adult Burns medical director John Greenwood arrived and began assisting with surgeries at the KAT hospital in Athens on Sunday
The devastation in Greece has killed at least 87 people, with countless others significantly burnt
It is estimated 1,500 homes have been destroyed in the blaze which has killed at least 87 people
The product, NovoSorb was developed alongside a company called PolyNovo after the tragic Bali bombings to provide an alternate route to skin grafts.
The product is less likely than skin grafts to cause infections, and created softer, less-scarred skin after the procedure.
‘Australia had 200 people badly burnt during that episode and here’s Greece with a major burn incident and if we can help in any way that’s a good thing,’ PolyNovo chief executive Paul Brennan said.
The devastation in Greece has killed at least 87 people, with countless others significantly burnt.
A before and after satellite shot shows the devastation of the fires that have swept the region
Victims of the fires have found their homes and possessions completely charred
It has also destroyed an estimated 1,500 homes and turned roads and pavements to ash.
Public Order Minister Nikos Toskas found ‘serious indications’ suggesting the inferno was deliberately lit.
Back in his hometown of Adelaide, members of the Greek community are rallying to fund raise for the victims.
President of the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia, Bill Gonis, is hosting a meeting on Monday night to discuss fundraising options.
He expects over 300 attendees.
They are hoping to hold film nights, quiz nights and dinner dances among other ideas such as collecting donations at church to aid the victims.
‘We want to make sure the money goes to the areas where it’s need the most over in Attica, Greece,’ he said.
‘We have to support our motherland, that’s all there is to it.’
An elderly survivor is transported to safety by a dedicated rescue crew
Public Order Minister Nikos Toskas found ‘serious indications’ suggesting the inferno was deliberately lit
It has also destroyed an estimated 1,500 homes and turned roads and pavements to ash