Glasgow firefighter recovering from burn injuries, working to return to service

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – A Glasgow firefighter is sharing his story of recovery from burns he sustained while responding to a house fire.

According to TriStar Skyline Medical Center, Glasgow Fire Department firefighter Malcolm Dile was focused on helping others when he responded to the scene of a fire in April.

Within moments, TriStar says conditions in the home changed, leading to serious burn injuries that required advanced care at TriStar Skyline Medical Center.

Dile was first treated at T.J. Regional Health before being transferred to a burn center at TriStar Skyline.

According to TriStar, Dile experienced burns to multiple areas, including his neck, arms, leg, ears, sideburns, chin and hands. Most of the injuries were second-degree burns, while some areas were at risk of progressing to third-degree burns, medical experts say.

After arriving at TriStar Skyline, Dile said the care team helped him feel at ease.

“Everyone was so nice, helpful and reassuring,” Dile said. “From the ER team to the burn specialists, they moved quickly and explained everything along the way.”

According to TriStar, Dile underwent debridement surgery and received treatment that included skin substitute technology to support healing. Within weeks, he began to see steady progress and is now focused on returning to work.

“I can’t let this beat me,” Dile said. “I’m focused on healing and getting back to doing what I love.”

He credits God and the ability He has given the doctors and care team to treat him.

“Looking back at where I started, the progress in just a few weeks has been remarkable,” Dile said. “They gave me confidence from day one. You can tell this team truly knows what they are doing.”

“Firefighters put their lives on the line every day to protect others,” said Tommy Tran, MD, burn surgeon at TriStar Skyline. “It’s an honor to care for heroes like Malcolm and support them through recovery.”

Today, Dile continues outpatient treatment and rehabilitation while working toward returning to the fire service.

“I’m grateful for everyone who helped me,” Dile said. “From the firefighters beside me that day to the medical teams who took care of me afterward. I couldn’t have gotten through this alone.”