Lehigh Valley Health Network Burn Prevention Center sponsored a seminar aimed at local and regional fire and EMS personnel titled "Wear Your Gear or End Up Here" May 7 at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

Keynote speakers were Mitch and Aimee Dryer, of Oneida, N.Y. and Dr. Daniel Lozano, medical director, LVHN Regional Burn Center.

Mitch Dryer was a municipal firefighter in Oneida when he became trapped in a structure collapse and fire in 2007.

Dryer suffered third and fourth degree burns to his right arm and torso eventually resulting in amputation of his right arm.

His presentation included a description of the fire call, his entry into what appeared to be a minor fire with a Lieutenant and the discovery of a large volume of fire in the ceiling of a former movie theater and bowling alley.

As they were attempting to abandon the building, a suspended projection collapsed trapping Dryer.

It took fellow firefighters time to locate and free Dryer from the large debris pile as heavy fire involved the entire structure.

He was transported first to the local hospital but was immediately transferred by helicopter to Upstate Medical Center, a teaching hospital in Syracuse.

He went on to describe his extensive surgeries and rehabilitation with his wife Aimee relaying her response and emotional turmoil throughout her husband's treatment.

Today, Dryer is retired helping to raise their twins.

Lozano discussed pre-hospital treatment as well as shared photos and videos of skin grafts to help patients recover from serious burns.