Burns and smoke inhalation injuries, like those suffered by Houston firefighters, are some of the most difficult injuries to survive. UTMB treats some 400 burns a year and survival rates are improving. “What kills you after the first 24 or 48 hours is that your body goes like an athlete on a treadmill non-stop,” said UTMB’s Dr. Carlos Jimenez. At UTMB's Blocker Burn Unit, they're better now at handling the complications that kill burn patients.