General Fact Sheet

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors General Fact Sheet

People who suffer burn injuries often have a challenging time getting back to living. The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors helps them do exactly that. Since 1977, the Phoenix Society has worked with survivors, families, healthcare professionals, the fire industry and donors to support burn recovery, improve the quality of burn care, and prevent burn injuries. We are the only national non-profit organization helping survivors meet their challenges with the community support and the tools they need to thrive again. The Phoenix Society, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, takes its name from the legendary bird that is consumed by flame but rises again, more vibrant than before.

Phoenix Society Statistics

 Since 1977, Phoenix Society has grown from a single person visiting a burn-injured child to a world renowned organization reaching over 94,000 people each year.  Phoenix Society serves 150 Hospitals and Burn Centers throughout North America.  Phoenix Society utilizes the talents of over 1,100 volunteers each year to conduct its programs.  Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery): Our peer support program services 64 hospitals and burn centers across the US and Canada, where over 12,800 patients have access. Approximately (850) volunteers serve our peer support program.  Phoenix World Burn Congress; our annual conference averages 900-1,000 attendees and utilizes over 250 volunteers from healthcare, fire service, and the local community.  Phoenix UBelong program, our 3-day youth and family track within Phoenix WBC averages 112 attendees; 52 UBelong Youth & Teen attendees, 45 UBelong Young Adult attendees, 15 UBelong Childcare attendees.  Phoenix WBC attendee breakdown: 69% are burn survivors and families, 22% are burn care professionals, 5% firefighters. 42% of participants are first-time attendees.  With our focus on the power of peer support and building a compassionate survivor community, thousands now have the tools necessary to thrive.  No other organization does what we do.

Burn Statistics (Provided by American Burn Association, Ameriburn.org; Safe Kids USA, Safekids.org; and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nfpa.org; 5/15/15)  Every year, more than 486,000 people receive medical treatment for a burn injury; over 136,000 are under the age of 19.  Survival Rate: 96.7%  Burn injury causes: 43% fire/flame, 34% scald, 9% hot object contact, 4% electrical, 3% chemical, 7% other  Place of Occurrence: 73% home, 5% street/highway, 8% occupational, 5% recreation/sport, 9% other  40,000 require hospitalization, with 30,000 admitted to specialized burn centers annually. 01/11/2016 Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors General Fact Sheet

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 Over one-third of hospital admissions exceeded 20% Total Body Surface Area injuries (TBSA); over 3% admissions exceeded 40% TBSA. Most include severe burns of such vital body areas as the face, hands and feet which impact self image, social comfort, relationships, and vocational ability.  There are 127 burn centers in the U.S. This means many survivors do not have access to nearby burn center or support services.  In 2013, a fire department responded to a fire every 25 seconds. One structure fire was reported every 65 seconds. One home structure fire was reported every 85 seconds. Home structure fires caused 83% of the civilian fire deaths and 78% of civilian fire injuries. One civilian fire death occurred every 2 hours and 42 minutes. (NFPA).  Burns are one of the most expensive catastrophic injuries to treat.

Long-term Recovery Issues

 The physical aspects of burn recovery may require not just months but years, and may involve numerous reconstructive surgeries and therapies.  Burn injuries present emotional and psychological challenges to survivors and caregivers.  Many people experience social isolation and stigma because of their burn scars.  Receiving peer support from other burn survivors can provide a unique perspective to others facing recovery from a burn trauma and assist with post burn psychosocial adjustment.  The availability of burn peer support resources and psychosocial education is limited.  20-30% of adult burn survivors demonstrate moderate to severe psychological and or social difficulties after their burn injury.  Studies have shown that between 15% and 44 % of those who sustain burn injuries develop PTSD.  Social support has been shown to be a promising indicator of post burn adjustment.  The Phoenix Society promotes the development and access to peer support, psychological and social support programs around the country.

01/11/2016