‘I can’t let this beat me’: Glasgow firefighter eyes return to duty
Dile was initially treated at T.J. Regional Health before being transferred to the burn center at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville for specialized care.
GLASGOW, Ky. — A Glasgow firefighter who suffered burn injuries while responding to a house fire in April is recovering and hopes to return to duty in the coming weeks.
Glasgow firefighter Malcolm “Chase” Dile suffered burn injuries April 10 while responding to a house fire on New Salem Road in Barren County.
According to a release from TriStar Skyline Medical Center, conditions inside the home changed rapidly, resulting in burns to multiple areas of his body.
Dile was initially treated at T.J. Samson Community Hospital before being transferred by helicopter to the burn center at TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville for specialized care.
The injuries included burns to his neck, arms, leg, ears, sideburns, chin and hands.
Most were classified as second-degree burns, though some areas were at risk of progressing to third-degree burns, according to the release.
After arriving in Nashville, Dile underwent debridement surgery and received treatment that included skin substitute technology designed to aid healing.
“Everyone was so nice, helpful and reassuring,” Dile said in the release. “From the ER team to the burn specialists, they moved quickly and explained everything along the way.”
Brennan Crain
Nearly two months after the fire, Dile said he is focused on continuing his recovery and returning to the job.
“I can’t let this beat me,” he said. “I’m focused on healing and getting back to doing what I love.”
Dile credited his faith and the medical team that treated him for helping him through the recovery process.
“Looking back at where I started, the progress in just a few weeks has been remarkable,” he said. “They gave me confidence from day one. You can tell this team truly knows what they are doing.”
Two other firefighters were also injured in the blaze but were treated and released the same day from T.J. Samson Hospital, according to Glasgow Fire Chief Lucas Tinsley.
