Qld: Asylum seekers to arrive in Brisbane on Sat afternoon

AAP General News (Australia)
04-18-2009
Qld: Asylum seekers to arrive in Brisbane on Sat afternoon

By Jessica Marszalek

BRISBANE, April 18 AAP - Four asylum seekers suffering life-threatening burns from
a boat explosion will arrive in Brisbane on Saturday afternoon.

Four men in an induced coma and with extensive burns were due to arrive at the Royal
Brisbane Hospital on Friday night but were deemed too unwell to travel.

The patients are now expected to arrive from Darwin late Saturday afternoon.

A hospital spokeswoman said it was likely several other patients would join the four
men being brought to Brisbane.

Patients' conditions were being assessed ahead of travel before confirmation was given
on how many would be sent, she said.

Royal Brisbane Hospital acting director of burns Michael Muller said the four men in
induced comas would need extensive care.

"They have between 30 and 50 per cent burns on their bodies, so as a consequence they'll
be with us in our intensive care unit for some weeks and cared for by the hospital for
many months," Mr Muller told reporters on Friday.

He is due to provide an update to media at midday (AEST) on Saturday.

The patients are being transferred to Brisbane to share the load in the wake of the
boat explosion in northern Australian waters, which killed at least three and injured
44. Two people remain missing.

They will be operated on as soon as possible after arriving.

Operating bays have been heated to temperatures of up to 36 degrees and surgeons will
wear ice vests - similar to those worn by footballers during hot matches - to help maintain
their endurance.

AAP jmm/mn

KEYWORD: BOAT BRISBANE

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