Burns

Abstract

Thermal injuries are a prominent cause of traumatic morbidity and mortality throughout the world, but especially in developing countries. Gradual improvements in the organization of burn care, notably the development of centres of excellence (burn centres) that are mandated to cover regions or provinces, have improved the outcomes for patients with severe burns. These centres place value in the multidisciplinary contributions of numerous role-players beyond the burn nurse and surgeon and highlight the importance of physical, psychological, and socioeconomic rehabilitation. Given that the majority of burn injuries worldwide do not require admission to hospital, a critical role is played by community health workers to manage these appropriately and to identify and refer severe cases and complications. This chapter outlines the principles of the management of major burn injuries, with sections dedicated to aetiology and pathogenesis, initial assessment, critical care, acute and reconstructive burn surgery, rehabilitation, and wound care.