your nerves get burnt off, and you can't feel anything

Wanna test your theory? I can actually confirm that's a myth and not true at all.

I was in a caravan fire at the age of 18 and the trauma had not suppressed my memory of any pain or actions leading up to the fire. Complete with internal burning that eventuated to 2 deflated lungs on the way to the emergency room.

The fire, was a crisp and clean pain and I think this is maybe where people get the idea of 3rd degree not hurting. It's an extremely weird pain. I remember having burning white in my eyes, blinded by flames. Rolling on the floor alight, in an absolute fury of pain. All it took was for me to remove my clothing that hadn't been melted to me. This is where the pain hits you even harder like an absolute ton of fucking bricks. I ran myself under a hose until I became smarter and traded for the shower, alternating with my buddy who was also in the caravan with me, all while waiting for my dad to arrive and take us to the hospital.

Waiting took about 5 minutes. Waiting under a cold shower while some invisible flame is being reignited upon my body in waves. Waves that only get worse as I look into a mirror and see horror. Not even myself anymore, completely unrecognisable. Pale like a ghost with a melted expression. Breathing is getting heavier and I can taste burnt hair.

Dad arrives and not knowing the full circumstances he also has my mother and sister in the car. I cannot imagine the fear when they saw me running towards them. My mother launched out of the passenger seat so quick and went into a meltdown. I think she thought I was going to die. My sister was much the same.

On the way to the hospital I feel my first lung collapse. The reignition effects are starting to completely wearing me down and I can hear my mum telling me to breathe with her. Breathing was not an issue with the screaming I was doing. On the downswing of the wave the wind through the windows felt like shards of glass going through me but on the upswing I needed that distraction to focus on.

And for recovery from said burns... I'd take caravan fire everyday of the week over the rehabilitation pain. But I was lucky enough to be able to feel that pain and still be here with you guys!