In Case Of Fire: Please Remain Calm Then Slowly Rebuild Your Life

by Spencer Beach, Naomi K. Lewis

“On a day like any other, just doing my job, I found myself suddenly engulfed in a flash fire. It came with a whistle and a bang changing my life within a blink of an eye. Forever. Within 20 seconds I received 3rd and 4th degree burns to 90% of my body. I fought through the fire to escape, to live even though I thought I was going to die. Holding onto the fading thoughts of my wife and developing child within her womb gave me the courage to find a way out, but I had no idea of what survival meant.” -Spencer Beach

At age twenty nine, with his life finally falling into place and a new baby on the way, Spencer Beach was involved in a chemical fire while laying lino that left him with a 5% chance to live. After 14 months in hospital, many surgeries, and a pronouncement from the WCB that he is 100% impaired, Spencer Beach has become a safety professional and inspirational speaker.

“Learn how simple mistakes can lead to tragic events changing many lives in the process... mistakes that have easy solutions.” – Spencer Beach

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada

175 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Tasha-Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I booked Spencer in for a book signing and staff would ask me about him and his book I always said "He's a local author (from Edmonton) and he's a burn victim and he wrote about his story" what I realize now I should have said "He's a burn SURVIVOR" He's a pretty amazing human being. After meeting him, I was more interested in his story and what his life was like now. He sure wouldnt give me any clues! "It's all in the book" he said to me. So I bought it. And I read it very quickly. Parts of it made me laugh out loud, parts made me cry. The strength & courage he has, and especially the strength his wife has amazed me. To live through such a thing and still be able to look at every new day as a gift takes a special kind of person. I'm so glad I met him and that he is able to share his story with others.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t start to describe what most burn victims go through in the acute phase following the initial tragedy to most, but Spencer Beach (with the help of Naomi Lewis) does a great job to paint that picture. Since starting working at the exact burns unit that Spencer describes about this past year, it is striking to hear about his side of the story. It is INSANE that just 20 years ago, he suffered 90% burns (90!!!)

I met Spencer back at the Firefighters Charity Gala last year in 2023 and he gifted me this book and I’m only regretful I didn’t read this sooner. this books provides insight to his patient experiences could’ve undoubtedly helped me to become a better burn nurse.

Lastly, I am honesty so so proud of all the strides burn care has undertook in the last decades since his accident. 20 years later, burn care has evolved to provide better outcomes for patients like Spencer. Additionally, a part of me is dumbfounded to read about his experiences, and to know exactly what he’s going through. like WOW. this was my workplace 20 years ago! I know the nurse he talks about!!! I’ve heard of the surgeon he briefly mentions!! What a small world moment, to see the small Edmonton city be reflected as a universe in printed writing.

[Mustafa Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across Spencer Beach on LinkedIn, as someone who is a burn survivor following from a work incident & now a safety motivational speaker.

Those who work in safety will quickly see this was a preventable incident & if it wasn’t for Spencer being in Canada, he would have lost his life. His burns were so extensive, he required nearly 2yrs stay in hospital, artificial skin growth for grafting & many follow up surgeries.

Book is just under 200 pages but as it concludes, it did shake me to the core reading the impact this incident had on his colleagues, siblings, daughter, wife & sadly the marriage breakdown - which is so often the aftermath of a traumatic experience.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

I purchased this book after seeing Spencer do a live speaking engagement, which was terrific. Although portions of the book were in line with his speech, he spoke about women very disrespectfully and spent so much time talking about how great he was with women and what a player he was/is. He really came across as a stuck-up, egotistical ass imo. The allegations that came out about him a few years after I read the book were not surprising.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great personal account of everyday decisions that lead to a life unexpected, and getting to know how much strength of character you have in you. Met the author in person, what a guy!!! God’s hand is huge and visible in his life and those around him!!

[Nick Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really strong portions of the patient experience of being a burn survivor - however there was an underlying sense of ego and self-aggrandizing comments especially near the end that made it less impactful for me.

[Annie Lessard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had a pleasure of meeting Spencer. What an incredibly resilient, fun, good natured human being. Thanks for sharing your story and devoting your life to help insure workplace safety. Inspirational! -Annie

[Dave Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story of one person's resilience.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for sharing your story.