Burned Reporter Alpert to Have Surgery Today
SHERMAN OAKS — A television news reporter who suffered fourth-degree burns during a freak accident this week will undergo surgery today to remove dead and devitalized tissue from burn areas that doctors said cover 25% of her body.
Adrienne Alpert, 48, remained in critical but stable condition Thursday at the Grossman Burn Center, where she is being treated. Alpert was heavily sedated and breathing with the aid of a respirator. She continues to receive blood and fluids, said hospital spokesman Larry Weinberg.
“She continues to follow the course that doctors would expect given the extent and nature of her injuries,” he said.
Alpert was burned Monday when the microwave antenna from the KABC broadcast van she was sitting in came near power lines and sent electricity shooting through the vehicle.
She was preparing to cover a news conference in Hollywood when the accident occurred.
Unions representing broadcasters and camera crews have called for an emergency meeting with stations no later than May 30 to come up with uniform safety guidelines for news gathering in the field.
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