Nova Scotia Burn Support Group at The World Burn Congress, 1999

(left to right: Rosalie Bussard, Fred Haise,

"Buzz" Bussard, Patt Haise)

The Nova Scotia Firefighters Burn Treatment Society sponsored "Buzz" and Rosalie Bussard, representing the Nova Scotia Burn Support Group, to attend The World Burn Congress, in Atlanta, Georgia, September 15th to 19th, 1999.

The key note Speaker, Apollo 13 Astronaut and burn survivor, Fred Haise, emphasized the importance of "The Team"in achieving success and goals.  He compared the Apollo 13 return with his successful return to society after his burn injury as "Team Management" at its finest.  This set thr tone of the conference, which was attended by 200 delegates from Germany, England, Switzerland, Spain, Venezuela, the USA and Canada.

The conference was fast paced throughout, with sessions starting first thing in the morning and continuing until late evening.  A wide variety of subjects were covered from open mike sessions, lectures from professional care givers, panel discussions, group support meetings, and general information exchanging of ideas with other survivors from around the world.  Displays and information kiosks about fire prevention were set up outside the conference rooms for easy access.

The enthusiasm and dedication displayed by the Georgia Firefighters in a video of Camp OO-U-LA, a burn camp for kids showed what can be achieved with the effort of volunteers.  "Volunteers", being the required ingredient in the recipe for a successful camp.

Rosalie attended a pilot Peer Support Workshop which was videotaped and will soon be available through the Phoenix Society as a training aide.  Buzz and Rosalie returned with a vast amount of knowledge and ideas to further enhance the work of The Nova Scotia Burn Support Group.

For information on the Nova Scotia Burn Support Group, contact Buzz:  Tel: (902) 461-9026; Fax: (902) 835-0166.

In addition some other high-lites of camp were: a fun filled evening of games and a bar-be-que hosted by the Pictou County Firefighters Association, a visit from the Pictou County Antique Car Club who delighted both young and old with their cars, and a visit from several members of the Shriners, along with their “Jolly Trolley”.  This turned out to be an unexpected reunion for them and some of the adult burn survivors who had been helped by the Shriners as children. 

A special guest at camp this year was Dennis Gardin from Detroit.  Dennis was severely burnt as a child, and is now a motivational speaker.  Through his company, Life Worx Inc., he attends burn camps through out the world offering therapeutic support to burn survivors.

Plans are now being made for next year’s camp, which will be held again at Scotian Glen Camp.  The summer burn camp is free of charge to burn survivors and their guest.  If you know of someone who could benefit from this camp, or if you would like more information, please contact the Nova Scotia Firefighters Burn Treatment Society at 902-835-0166