Firefighter’s Condition Is Critical Again

Severely burned Glendale Firefighter William Jensen, who showed signs of improving health last week, was downgraded to critical condition and was returned to a respirator after surgery Monday.

Jensen, who suffered burns to more than 70% of his body in the massive Calabasas-Malibu brush fire Oct. 22, underwent his fifth surgery a day earlier than scheduled after showing signs of sepsis, a toxic condition resulting from the spread of bacteria in the bloodstream, authorities said.

Doctors at the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital said sepsis, which stems from dead and dying tissue, is the most serious threat to Jensen’s recovery.

Larry Weinberg, a spokesman for the burn center, said a team of 12 medical professionals, including four surgeons, cut away more dead skin and other dying tissue from Jensen’s back, buttocks and shoulders Monday morning.

In addition, Jensen, 52, was back to using a respirator to help him breathe, Weinberg said.

As in earlier surgeries, doctors covered Jensen’s wounds with cadaver skin as a biological dressing. The use of an anti-rejection drug called Cyclosporin was suspended temporarily as doctors, who are also concerned about Jensen’s kidneys, continue to monitor his condition.

“He’s by no means out of the woods,” said Glendale Fire Capt. Donald C. Wright. “The recovery process is long and arduous. It’s like a roller coaster ride.”

Wright was among many firefighters who said their support for Jensen and his family remains unwavering. A 24-hour vigil continues at the burn center, with firefighters from various departments stopping in regularly.

“We’ve been watching real close, and of course everybody is real concerned for Bill,” Wright said. “We’re all trying to keep our spirits up. . . . It’s still no fun to hear he’s taken a couple of steps backward.”

Several supporters said that although Jensen’s condition was worse than early last week, when he was upgraded from critical to serious and was able to speak with his relatives after a respirator was removed, they believe he benefits from knowing that so many people are praying for his recovery.

Among those with the Jensen family at the burn center Monday afternoon were Burbank Firefighters Bob Lanning, Jim Goldstein and Victor Marquez.

“There’s only so much you can do materially,” Lanning said. “It’s just a lot of spiritual support you’re trying to give them.”