Injured Firefighter’s Condition Worsens
Severely burned Glendale firefighter William Jensen, who showed signs of improving last week, was downgraded to critical condition and was returned to a respirator after surgery Monday.
Jensen, 52, who suffered burns over more than 70% of his body in the massive Calibasas-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.
As in earlier surgeries, doctors covered Jensen’s wounds with skin from a cadaver as a biological dressing.
“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.”
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