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  • Qld skin stocks low after cafe explosion

    Author: AAP

Donated skin stocks are running low in Queensland as doctors treat victims from the state's biggest-ever mass burns disaster.

Queensland skin stocks are running low as surgeons treat burns victims from the Ravenshoe cafe explosion.

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The State Medical Director for Organ and Tissue Donation Dr Leo Nunnink said the Queensland Skin Bank had been used to treat several people injured in last week's blast - the state's biggest-ever mass burns disaster.

Dr Nunnink said there was probably enough donated tissue to help these victims but additional donations are needed to replenish stocks.

"We've been able to meet the demands of the multiple victims of the Ravenshoe tragedy and hopefully we'll be able to cope with the continued ongoing needs," he told the ABC.

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"If we had another disaster tomorrow that would stretch us but at the moment we're holding up."

Two people died in the explosion, which was triggered when 60-year-old Brian Scutt's ute ploughed into a large gas bottle at the back of the Serves You Right Cafe.

It is believed Mr Scutt, who is on life support, had a heart attack shortly before the incident.

Eighteen others are being treated in hospital for burns and other injuries, with seven listed as critical.

Dr Nunnink said some of the injuries were so severe they would require treatment for years.

He said tissues like skin could be retrieved from people who die in a variety of ways, unlike organs, which can only be donated if someone dies in intensive care in hospital.

Queensland's skin bank opened five years ago and is due to be expanded.

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