Introduction
As a former Disney Imagineer I can reveal to you that all their rides and movies follow a simple pattern: things are great, then they go awry and finally everything is resolved in bunnies and rainbows (or as the Brazilians say, “We all eat pizza together.”) Befitting that framework here is the story of my Burn Adventure Ride. The usual caveats apply since I am not a medical professional – but I can read and learn the sciences – so just remember that in the trades we teach that hot steel looks just like cold steel. Put in the time to learn for yourself. Be smart and remember as well that doctors started from the beginning. You always want a studious and equipped person at your side!
The Event
You know the typical outdoor grilling commercial during the Sportsbowl where some guy squirts lighter fluid into his charcoal BBq to edge it on and it erupts in a fireball? Imagine that in my living room at the fireplace but with Zippo lighter fluid (naphtha). But unlike the commercial, the flame travels up the stream and catches the can on fire in my hand. I start to shake it and blow it out to no avail.
But the naphtha did manage to splash onto my T-shirt which then became a candle wick and burned up my neck. It took me about 40 seconds of wild effort to douse the flames. I was… shocked. What the heck just happened?
Catching my breath I reverted to my training. Calling to my wife I asked for ice packs which to apply directly to my neck. I was running all the military management protocols in my mind while trying to laugh it off to her. Well, she wasn’t buying it and looked at me with deep concern.
Warning: The following photos are graphic, but not overly gruesome.Continue reading“My Burn Adventure Ride, by Dan D.”