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Burn survivor remembered, honored by Chris West Public Relations In June of 1997, Archie Jones was seriously burned while on the job. Now, three years later the dietitian who cared for him will join TEAM MUSC and walk the bridge run in honor of this survivor to commemorate his recovery. Paula Siemens is a registered dietitian in the Burn Unit and cared for Jones from June until September in 1997. Jones sustained third degree burns covering more than 45 percent of his body following a 600-degree heating oil spill at his workplace.  The majority of the burns were from the waist down with some injury to his hands and upper body. But the most threatening injury of all involved burns to his lungs due to hot fume inhalation. He was on a ventilator and a coma was induced for two weeks to combat his pain. “When it comes to increased nutritional needs to the critically ill, burns are among the very worst,” Siemens said. Jones was tube-fed for three months and required 3,500 to 3,700 calories a day, some 75 percent more than the average male, with three times the normal amount of protein. This was necessary to support proper healing and to ensure against muscle breakdown. “He worked very hard to get better, making a lot of personal sacrifices,” Siemens said. “His positive attitude and motivation were key to his successful outcome.” Siemens will walk with TEAM MUSC and the heart transplant group in the upcoming Cooper River Bridge Run on April 1 in honor of Jones. “I try to do the race every year that I can,” Siemens said. “I just like to be outside and athletic and I love a good challenge.” Siemens has worked at MUSC since 1993 and is very dedicated to her patients and their recovery. Aside from being a registered dietitian, she is also certified in nutrition support which involves the feeding of the critically ill.  “I assess the nutritional status and needs of the patients depending on the injury,” Siemens said, “and determine the best approach to meeting those particular needs.” Siemens finds her job rewarding, and she enjoys learning and keeping current on the latest in nutrition support. “When you are part of a progressive team and work with clinically challenging patients, it helps you enjoy what you are doing. When you see positive outcomes, that’s what keeps you going.”