A New York firefighter critically injured while battling an inferno at a Crown Heights brownstone just before Christmas finally went home March 23.
Robert Wiedmann received a standing ovation and cheers from his friends, family, medical team and brethren as he walked out of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center three months after sustaining burns to more than 54 percent of his body — including his head, face, arms and back. He endured 13 days on a respirator and 10 operations requiring skin grafts during his stay at the hospital's Hearst Burn Center.
"I never thought that I wouldn't walk out of here," Wiedmann said during a press conference minutes before he left the hospital, choking up. "It took three months, but I knew I could do it."
Weidmann had a 60 percent to 70 percent chance of succumbing to his burns. His doctors say his remarkable recovery is not only a testament to his resolve, but also to the dedication and proficiency of his medical team.
"He's been through a lot of rehab and knows that he's got a road ahead of him," said Dr. Roger Yurt, director of the Hearst Burn Center. "He couldn't be here today without the fortitude he has to get through this. The biggest thing is having a team that's working together and having the resources this institution provides to make that happen."
Wiedmann and firefighter James Gersbeck were part of a five-person rescue crew from Rescue 2 who were first to respond to a blaze on the top floor of a Brooklyn brownstone Dec. 19. The building was empty that early Monday morning, but the firefighters didn't know that as they scoured the four smoke-filled bedrooms searching for victims. Suddenly, a fireball engulfed firefighters Wiedmann and Gersbeck.
The two men were brought to the Hearst Burn Center. While Gersbeck was released in late December, Wiedmann remained in extremely critical condition.
"My family was there every day for me," Wiedmann said. "Three months is a long time, it's like an emotional thing, obviously. I'm just grateful for having them with me for the whole way."
What he's most looking forward to is catching up with his two young children and a return to normalcy for his family.
Wiedmann's determination has become a source of inspiration to the entire fire department, Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano said.
"Rob's commitment, his courage, his dedication, his perseverance to recover, has given every member of this department an uplifting spirit of hope, resilience and recovery," he said.