New Zealand orders skin from America to treat volcano patients

New Zealand orders 1.2million square cm of skin from America to treat volcano patients who suffered terrible burns

  • New Zealand has ordered 19,000 sq ins of skin to be flown in from America
  • Surgeons ‘urgently need more skin grafts’ in the wake of Monday’s eruption  
  • 27 victims were admitted to burns units, some with burns on 95% of their bodies  

New Zealand has ordered 19,000 sq ins (1.2 million sq cm) of skin from America to help victims of the volcano eruption on White Island.

29 patients have been admitted to hospital with burns in the wake of Monday’s deadly eruption, and doctors say they urgently need more skin grafts. 

Faced with an unprecedented number of burn victims and the unusual nature of the burns from toxic volcanic gases, surgeons are having to work quicker than usual. 

It is predicted surgeons have 500 hours of operations to perform on patients in the days and months ahead of them. 

29 patients have been admitted to hospital with burns in the wake of Monday’s deadly eruption, and doctors say they urgently need more skin grafts. Pictured: Smoke rises into the air after the explosion on Monday

34 people were rescued from White Island via helicopters and admitted to hospitals for their injuries. Of the injured, 27 have burns over at least 30% of their bodies. 

22 of the victims had inhalation burns after breathing in sulphur dioxide and volcanic ash that have affected their lungs, and have been left requiring airway support.

Several of the patients have burns affecting up to 95% of their bodies. 

The eruption of the volcano on White Island, New Zealand. Faced with an unprecedented number of burn victims and the unusual nature of the burns from toxic volcanic gases, surgeons are having to work quicker than usual to treat burn victims

The eruption of the volcano on White Island, New Zealand. Faced with an unprecedented number of burn victims and the unusual nature of the burns from toxic volcanic gases, surgeons are having to work quicker than usual to treat burn victims

Smoke billows from the volcano on White Island following Monday's devastating eruption. Clinical director at Middlemore Hospital Dr Peter Watson said 19,000 sq inch (1.2 million sq cm) of skin would be flown in from America to treat the victims, adding that surgeons 'urgently need more skin grafts'

Smoke billows from the volcano on White Island following Monday’s devastating eruption. Clinical director at Middlemore Hospital Dr Peter Watson said 19,000 sq inch (1.2 million sq cm) of skin would be flown in from America to treat the victims, adding that surgeons ‘urgently need more skin grafts’

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said a number of the victims are in a ‘critical condition’ in hospital. 

Clinical director at Middlemore Hospital Dr Peter Watson said 19,000 sq inch (1.2 million sq cm) of skin would be flown in from America to treat the victims, adding that surgeons ‘urgently need more skin grafts’. 

Some of the Australian nationals who suffered burn injuries will be transferred from New Zealand back to their home country by an Australian Defence Force aircraft. 

The confirmed death toll in the wake of the incident on White Island on Monday has risen to six. 

Confirmed dead: Schoolgirl Zoe Hosking

Lawyer Gavin Dallow, 53, died while his wife Lisa Hosking, 48, survived the eruption (pictured together on their wedding day)

Lawyer Gavin Dallow, 53, his wife Lisa Hosking (both right) 48, and her daughter Zoe Hosking (left) 15, were all on a cruise holiday which included an optional walking tour of the volcano when it erupted. Lisa has been found alive but critically injured, while Gavin and Zoe both died 

Julie Richards, 47, and her daughter Jessica, 20, from Brisbane are mong the dead

Julie Richards, 47, and her daughter Jessica, 20, from Brisbane are mong the dead

The sixth person succumbed to their injuries at a hospital on Tuesday, according to New Zealand police. Eight people remain missing and are presumed dead.

Among those confirmed dead are Australian schoolgirl Zoe Hosking, 15, and her stepfather Gavin Dallow, 53, and Julie Richards, 47, and her daughter Jessica, 20, from Brisbane.

Some 47 tourists – from New Zealand and overseas – were on or around the crater, located off the coast of the North Island, at the time of the blast. 

 

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