Firefighters do not call someone that has been burned a victim, but rather a burn survivor. We are usually the first person a burn survivor encounters after an incident. The emotional and physical pain that a burn survivor experiences is something that a firefighter will witness on a regular basis. Working with burn survivors is a way for the tragedy to become more then “just part of the job”. The details of the incident become the bond between burn survivor and firefighter.
The Kern County Firefighters Burn Survivors Trust (KCFFBST) was founded after a house fire in SW Bakersfield that severely burned two young girls. At the time of the tragedy there was not a burn center in Bakersfield. Which meant the family had to travel out of town for the girls to receive proper care. Unfortunately, this caused added expenses like transportation, food and lodging all of which are not covered by insurance. The Kern County Firefighters Burn Survivors Trust was formed to assist families like this with these unexpected hardships.
For years we have been dedicated in the continued support for survivors. Not only during their time in the hospital, but through their entire healing process. By providing not only things like burn garments and financial support, but counseling, family camp-outs, barbeques and picnics we are able to create a support system for those who have faced similar circumstances.
Donations and continuous fund raising is what allows us the opportunity help the survivors and their families in times of need. Without the help of our community we would not be in the position to provide these services to burn survivors in Kern County.
Donations can be made using the Paypal link below. Thank you in advance for your donation and time.