Surviving the flames : a phenomenological study on the lived experiences of burn victims

Date of Completion

2005

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Keywords

Burns

Abstract

This study aimed to describe the experiences of burn victims. This purpose was accomplished through a qualitative research design, which utilized the phenomenological description of themes that was based on the burned victims' lived experiences. The grand tour question of this study was "What are your experiences of being a burn victim?" (Ano and mga karanasan mo sa pagkakaroon ng mga sunod nap arte ng katawan?)   This study was limited to individuals who sustained burn injuries involving at least fifteen percent (15%) of total body surface area. There was no limitation as regards the cause of injury, body part affected and duration of burn injury. This study was limited to participants who are at least 18 years old and are able to communicate effectively. There was no limitation to sex, civil status and occupation. This study was able to answer the question, "What are your experiences of being a burn victim?" (Ano and mga karanasan mo sa pagkakaroon ng mga sunod nap arte ng katawan?)From the results of our study, we can conclude that upon sustaining burn injuries, the lives of burn victims were completely changed. They did not only deal with the physical stress that comes with recuperating but experienced emotional and social crisis as well. It was quite difficult for an individual to immediately accept the reality of having permanent scars and physical deformities due to the burn incident. At first, these individuals were completely unprepared for the consequences that came with what happened to them. However, gradually, they were able to accept the occurrence of such situation. They have experience tremendous challenges and a lot of difficulties as they are trying to restore their almost destroyed lives. With the help and support that they received from their families, friends and those that truly cared for them, they were able to gain courage and determination to continue their lives. And because of their faith to the Supreme Being, they were able to hold on to the last string of hope they have. We, the researchers, can compare the experiences of our participants to a tornado that hit a small quiet town. Like the tornado, the burn incidents dramatically changed not only their lives but, the lives of the people caring for them as well. Permanent damage was done in a snap of a finger leaving them defenseless and hopeless at times. But in the end, they were able to prove to the world that there is more than the physical appearance to an individual's whole being. When you lose your appearance, you don't really lose it all but instead, only a part of you which is physical.

Comments

Call Number: TH NM 05 36

Location: Research Commons

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