{"id":14805,"date":"2003-02-24T14:52:44","date_gmt":"2003-02-24T19:52:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/home.bates.edu\/?p=14805"},"modified":"2018-06-04T09:33:31","modified_gmt":"2018-06-04T13:33:31","slug":"injured-junior-recovering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bates.edu\/news\/2003\/02\/24\/injured-junior-recovering\/","title":{"rendered":"Junior injured in Rhode Island fire recovering at home"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Philip<\/a><\/p>\n

\n

Bates College junior Philip B. Barr, of Lincoln, R.I., was injured in the February 20 nightclub fire in West Warwick, R.I., that killed 99 people and injured more than 180.<\/p>\n

Philip\u2019s mother, Barbara Barr, said that Philip was taken to Rhode Island Hospital in Providence with first- and second-degree burns on his face and back, and more serious injuries to his lungs.<\/p>\n

<\/em><\/p>\n

New: home address for correspondence:
\n<\/em>Philip Barr
\n8 Middlebrook Lane
\nLincoln, RI 02865<\/p>\n

Further updates will be provided below by his family:<\/p>\n

From:\u00a0\u00a0Phil and Barbara Barr
\nDate:\u00a0\u00a0March 24, 2003
\nSubject:\u00a0Philip Returns Home<\/p>\n

When we arrived at the hospital on Friday, Philip\u2019s doctors provided a wonderful surprise.\u00a0 They decided that his progress would allow him to be released from Rhode Island Hospital later that day.\u00a0 We brought him home about 6 p.m. on Friday, and at dinner we popped the cork on a bottle of champagne to celebrate the occasion.<\/p>\n

Over the weekend, Philip continued his rehabilitation with three daily walks within our neighborhood.\u00a0 Today he returned to the hospital as an out-patient for review of his general physical condition, and for a visit to the burn clinic.\u00a0 These were the first of many trips back to the hospital, and the first of many doctor appointments, but we are really happy to have achieved out-patient status!<\/p>\n

This week we also expect to finalize plans for rehabilitation services that will help Philip regain his former strength and physical condition.\u00a0 Most likely Philip will enter an out-patient program that combines the services of a doctor (physiatrist) and multi-disciplinary therapists (physical, occupational, exercise and massage) who will structure a daily program at their facility to accelerate his return to full health.<\/p>\n

The road to rehabilitation will test Philip\u2019s will power, but we feel confident that he will succeed, especially with the continued support of his extended family and many friends.\u00a0 Philip is ready to see a few visitors each day, and he is avidly reading all of the good wishes that he receives each day.\u00a0 However, until we have a firm schedule of doctor and therapy appointments, we suggest that you call before stopping by to visit him.<\/p>\n

To all of you who have sent good wishes or gifts, or prayed for Philip, or just wished for a positive outcome, please accept our heartfelt thanks.<\/p>\n

From:\u00a0\u00a0Phil and Barbara Barr
\nDate:\u00a0\u00a0March 21, 2003
\nSubject:\u00a0Update on Philip<\/p>\n

We are pleased to report that Philip made extraordinary progress from Monday through Thursday of this week. His condition has been upgraded by the hospital to \u201cgood.\u201d\u00a0We are awaiting a decision today whether or not Philip will be transferred to a rehabilitation hospital or receive those services on an outpatient basis.\u00a0In either case, there is a good chance that Philip will be released from Rhode Island Hospital tomorrow or Monday.<\/p>\n

Philip\u2019s respiratory system continues to get better.\u00a0He has been breathing independently for eight days, and since Wednesday afternoon has not received any supplemental oxygen.\u00a0Philip spent the entire day on both Wednesday and yesterday either seated in a chair or walking.\u00a0He walked five times on Wednesday, and more yesterday.\u00a0He is walking independently without any assistance.<\/p>\n

Philip passed both of his \u201cswallow\u201d tests at the beginning of the week and began eating regular food on Wednesday.\u00a0He is taking three meals a day, and his appetite is good.\u00a0Philip\u2019s voice has returned to normal, although it becomes weak toward the end of the day.\u00a0At this time, Philip is not receiving any medication intravenously.<\/p>\n

The swiftness of Philip\u2019s improvement this week has lightened everyone\u2019s hearts, including the hospital staff.\u00a0All of them saw the gravity of his condition at the outset, and all are amazed at the wonderful turnaround.\u00a0We believe that the power of prayer by so many relatives and friends around the world, coupled with his youth and excellent physical condition before the incident,\u00a0 have combined to produce this joyous result.<\/p>\n

As wonderful as this news may be, we know that there is a difficult road ahead.\u00a0Philip will require much therapy, training and the passage of time in order to reach the goal of full recovery.\u00a0We are now working with Philip\u2019s doctors to develop the game plan that will optimize his opportunity to regain the fullness of his life.<\/p>\n

With Philip\u2019s discharge imminent, and not knowing whether he will go to a rehab hospital or home, we suggest that you begin to address your written notes to Philip at home, which is 8 Middlebrook Lane, Lincoln, RI 02865.\u00a0 He greatly enjoys his mail, and especially your personal notes to him.\u00a0Once we know where Philip will be going next, he will be ready for some visitors and we will advise you soon.<\/p>\n

We remain thankful that Philip\u2019s recovery is moving so quickly in a positive direction after such a difficult start.\u00a0We will provide another update soon.\u00a0 In the meantime, please keep Philip and our family in your thoughts and prayers.<\/p>\n

Sincerely,
\nPhil and Barbara Barr<\/p>\n

From: Phil and Barbara Barr
\nDate: March 17, 2003
\nSubject: Update on Philip<\/p>\n

Philip\u2019s condition improved significantly over the past seven days. He is fully alert, his spirits are good, and he is focused on regaining his health. The doctors continue to expect that he will make a full recovery.<\/p>\n

Philip\u2019s respiratory system continues to show signs of healing. Most importantly, he has been breathing independently since Thursday morning. Although he does receive some oxygen enrichment for the air he breathes, the dosage is being reduced gradually. After removing the ventilator on Thursday, the hospital reclassified Philip\u2019s condition as \u201cserious.\u201d<\/p>\n

As we mentioned last week, the paralytic medicine was stopped on March 9. Having been on that type of drug for about two weeks, we were advised that Philip will be very weak at first. While that is true, he is beginning to reclaim his mobility. During the past week, Philip began to spend time out of bed each day, resting in a chair. Also, he began to walk as part of his physical therapy.<\/p>\n

Philip achieved several other important milestones during the week, including these:<\/p>\n