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Vancouver fire victim improves in hospital

By John Branton
Published: November 7, 2009, 12:00am

Jeannine Schilling in serious condition

Jeannine Schilling, who nearly died of smoke inhalation in a fire at her home last month, was upgraded Thursday from critical to serious condition at Providence Portland Medical Center.

When neighbors saw flames and called 911 about 8 p.m. Oct. 24, Schilling is believed to have been sleeping on a couch in her home at 202 N.E. 175th Ave., near Fisher’s Landing.

Vancouver firefighters used a thermal imaging camera to find Schilling, which likely saved her life, said her partner of 16 years, Douglas Carothers.

Doctors at Providence initially told Carothers they didn’t know whether the 53-year-old Schilling would live.

They treated her in a hyperbaric chamber, using high-pressure oxygen to remove toxic carbon monoxide from her system.

Schilling was listed in critical condition for about 11 days before a hospital spokeswoman said Thursday night that her condition had improved.

The fire heavily damaged the couple’s home and ruined most of their possessions, including personal photographs.

Carothers, after hiring a rehabilitation company, estimated the damage at more than $150,000.

Carothers said a small fan fell from a bedroom dresser, overheated and started the fire.

The home had a working smoke detector that didn’t rouse Schilling.

Fire marshals say smoke detectors should be placed in sleeping areas and each level of a home. With winter approaching, it’s a good time to replace batteries, experts say.

In the days after the fire broke out, Carothers declined donations and asked folks instead to pray for Schilling.

John Branton: 360-735-4513 or john.branton@columbian.com.

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