On Monday September 28, 2020, it was a typical morning for Janelle Derisley.
“I rolled out of bed and showered, packed up my lunch and headed to Dunkin for some coffee. I went to work. I sat with my trainer and listened to calls. I went on break like normal and came back into the building. That is when my life spun out of control,” says Derisley.
Walking to her co-workers desk, she was ready to listen to more phone calls.
“I heard a horrendous popping sound. Another pop and what sounded like fireworks going off, only to realize there were flames shooting up past my face. I was on fire. I put myself out the first time. My co-worker put me out for a second time. And I was then put out a third time. It took three times to extinguish three foot flames on my body.”
Once the flames were out, she knew that she had to get out of the cubicle area and get to the bathroom.
“Your fight or flight kicks in. I was on a mission to get my clothes off and get cold wet compresses on the wounds. I knew it was bad. I just didn’t know how bad. My supervisor and co-worker were amazing. They helped settle me enough to get my jeans and shirt off and get compresses started.”
Medina Ambulance immediately responded and transported Derisley to Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.
“When the burn team took one look at me they immediately admitted me. Chemical burns on top of flames are not a good combination, and that right there put my risk of infection pretty high.”
She suffered third degree burns in a large area, including her hip, buttocks, thigh and abdominal area.
“I have to attend burn clinic and have a skin graft done this week. It will be a long healing process.”
(Submitted photos)
Derisley says the battery in her pants pocket exploded and was free floating in with her keys. In a matter of twenty minutes the keys and the battery connected and sparked.
“This is a huge no no,” says Derisley.
“Being a vaper for well over five years, I knew this, but all it took was forgetting one time. One time that I didn’t use my battery case that was given to me for free when I bought batteries. All it takes is one time to set yourself on fire. If there is one thing I can tell you, it is to use your battery cases. They are given to you for a reason. They are given to you to use so you don’t put the batteries in your pockets.”
Derisley is currently home from work until further notice while she heals from the ordeal.
“I want others to know that even after five plus years of vaping, accidents can happen. It can happen to anyone. Battery safety is extremely important. Batteries don’t belong in your pocket.”