Burns

First Things First (assess & treat for the following)

Initial Assessment

  • ABCs of trauma evaluation and resuscitation
  • Even victims with large cutaneous injury survive the initial insult. Early mortality is related to asphyxia and upper airway swelling. Chemical pneumonitis occurs later.
  • Consistent intubation with stridor or hoarseness.
  • Hypothermia is due to exposure; cover wounds with clean, dry dressings.

Epidemiology

  • Overall mortality in hospitalized patients is 5.3%. LD50 70% TBSA.
  • 1 day in hospital can be assumed per % TBSA burn.
  • 70% of burn patients are male, 60% are Caucasian. 63% of injuries involve < 10% TBSA. 68% of full-thickness burns involve < 10% TBSA.

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Last updated: April 9, 2010