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Burn Center Grows With IBEW's Help May 2001 IBEW Journal Local 125 members in Portland, Oregon, have supported the work of the Oregon Burn Center at Legacy Emanuel Hospital for many years. But when one of their own nearly died in a freak accident, the hospital that saved his life became the crusade of his fellow members. Now Local 125 stands at the forefront of a $2 million grassroots effort to raise money to rebuild the Burn Center. Because of their dedication, when the New Oregon Burn Center opens next fall, its intensive care wing will be named for Blaine Degerness. He almost did not live to see it happen. Brother Degerness, a Portland General Electric journeyman lineman, was working a routine job one spring day in 1997. As he moved his bucket into place beside a power pole, the hydraulic line touched an energized wire and punctured. High pressure hydraulic fuel ignited and Brother Degerness was instantly aflame. A swift rescue by some quick-thinking coworkers probably saved his life but he was severely injured. Brother Degerness was covered with critical burns; even his lungs were scorched. He was still smoldering when he arrived at the Oregon Burn Center, one of only two such specialized centers in the Northwest United States and the only one in Oregon. While coaxing Brother Degerness to pull through, members of Local 125 spent hours in the Burn Center, situated in a 5,000 sq. ft area on one floor of Portland's Legacy Emanuel Hospital. Since 1997, Local 125 members have been enthusiastic supporters of the Burn Center, hosting golf and softball fundraising events, netting nearly $150,000. When the opportunity to expand the center arose last fall, IBEW members were first to volunteer, organizing partnerships with members and company-employers like Portland General Electric and PG&E National Energy Group. "That's been the driving force that's moved this campaign along," said William Sullivan, Emanuel Foundation Capital Campaign Director for the New Oregon Burn Center. Local 125 Business Manager William Miller serves on the campaign's steering committee. The New Oregon Burn Center is currently under construction and is slated for completion in September. It will be four times the size of the current facility, will include upgraded technology and equipment and will increase the staff's clinical research abilities. Today, with the help of the Brotherhood, the Burn Center is nearly halfway to its $2 million goal. PGE and its employees alone have raised $200,000, Sullivan said. "Local 125 members are giving from their own pockets now," Sullivan said. "The effort is over and above what they traditionally provide." Brother Degerness is a living legacy of the vital work of the Oregon Burn Center, which treats about 10 electric power workers from Oregon and Washington each year. "The Oregon Burn Center is a place you never want to go but you're sure glad it's there," Brother Degerness said.
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