Kate Gonnella, RN, Stays Fired Up at Burning Man

Kate Gonnella, RN, on duty at one of the medical stations at the Burning Man Festival.

Kate Gonnella, RN, spends two weeks of her vacation each summer in the sizzling Nevada desert at an event with thousands of creative souls who camp out, build massive art structures, then burn them down.

The event is called Burning Man, and initially, when a relative recruited the former Emergency Department nurse to help with health care, she knew nothing about the communal event — and had no clue it would transform her life. Now, Kate has been medical chief of the offbeat gathering for five years, overseeing a medical staff of about 130 people.

What are your responsibilities as Burning Man's medical chief?

I supervise volunteers, including many nurses and doctors, who come from around the world. We serve as first responders on the playa, but there is a Reno medical clinic that provides most medical services and authorizes helicopter and ambulance transport when necessary.

How do you find volunteers?

Everyone who comes to Burning Man is supposed to participate at some level, and we recruit volunteers year-round. If someone has a medical background, they may sign up to help my group. I have a huge number of repeat medical volunteers and a strong corps. They work for four days of the one-week event and I and others work the weeks before and after Burning Man, when the temporary city is built, or afterward, when it's disassembled.

What type of health problems do you see most often?

There are huge heat problems. Not only is it hot, but you can't tell how hot it is because of low humidity. People stay up late, get up early, and after several days they get dehydrated. We also see cuts, bruises, rashes, eye irritation from dirt, and respiratory ailments. We treat lots of burns. People are spinning fire, and they catch their hair on fire or burn their skin.

Is there much problem with substance abuse?

Substance overdoses are rare. There is a misconception that Burning Man is a drug and sex frenzy. It's not. Most people come to create art or just to experience the event, and most do so responsibly.

Are you involved with Burning Man plans year round?

Yes. We have monthly teleconferences among operations chiefs, and I also teleconference with medical supervisors.

Are new volunteers trained together?

One of the coolest things is that every community at Burning Man has its own e-mail list. Our department pulls off providing top-notch medical care using volunteers who often never met one another. It's phenomenal. My volunteers have to be CPR certified and have a valid driver's license. Before arriving, they receive e-mails notifying them what their responsibilities will be at the event.

Do you know other Kaiser Permanente employees who volunteer at Burning Man?

There are about a dozen people from Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa who help out with medical care. Some I already knew, and others I met once I got involved.

What is your favorite thing about Burning Man — why do you keep going?

Nothing is for sale at Burning Man and so all the amazing art, gorgeous costuming, delicious food, drama and fire performances, etc are gifts from participants to the community. Nowhere, (except in nature!) will you find so much genius, creativity, and generosity in one place. This Burning Man ethos is a powerful personal reminder.

How can employees get involved as volunteers or learn more about Burning Man?

The best way to learn about Burning Man is to log onto the web site: www.burningman.com People who want to help with health care can reach me by e-mail at Kate.Gonnella@kp.org