After the devastating fire inferno in Graz on New Year’s Eve, three young people – they are between 20 and 30 years old – are still in the intensive care unit of the LKH Graz.
The wife of an affected local guest, who was feared to have a heart attack, also continues to receive inpatient treatment. Two patients who had suffered smoke poisoning were able to leave the hospital.
A seriously injured victim with burns underwent surgery on Friday. “We removed the burned skin and replaced it with the body’s own skin,” Lars-Peter Kamolz, head of plastic surgery, reports to the “Krone”. The successful operation took place on arms and one leg.
Return to work possible
The intensive care patients also include a person who was transferred from UKH Graz to the university clinic – also due to a necessary operation. “After a skin transplant, the quality of survival is usually very good and patients can return to work. “It is clear that scars will remain,” explains the experienced surgeon.
Scars can also be psychological in nature. To ensure that those affected can cope with traumatic events as best as possible, crisis helpers are still ready to advise and support them. “On the night of the fire, six people were on site, and another ten were on standby,” said Cornelia Forstner, head of the crisis intervention coordination center for the state of Styria.
“In these types of emergency situations, feelings of insecurity and helplessness often arise, but even afterwards smells and sounds can be stressful.” This can take up to six weeks, says Forstner, whose colleagues can be reached on 0 664/85 00 to answer 222 questions.
Bishop prays for family members
The fire inferno also caused great concern for the diocesan bishop of Styria. “Our faith says that death is not the end. I hope those left behind can find comfort in this faith. “So I feel connected in prayer to the deceased and their relatives,” emphasizes Wilhelm Krautwaschl in an interview with the “Krone”.
Source: Krone

I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.