Thermal and chemical burns
Richard B. Schwartz
Search for more papers by this authorRichard Cartie
Search for more papers by this authorPeter V. Bui
Search for more papers by this authorBradley Michael Golden
Search for more papers by this authorRichard B. Schwartz
Search for more papers by this authorRichard Cartie
Search for more papers by this authorPeter V. Bui
Search for more papers by this authorBradley Michael Golden
Search for more papers by this authorDavid C. Cone MD
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Search for more papers by this authorJane H. Brice MD, MPH
Professor of Emergency Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorTheodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH
Executive Director
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, Maryland
Search for more papers by this authorJ. Brent Myers MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer ESO Associate Medical Director
Wake County EMS, Raleigh, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
Burn injuries are among the most frequently encountered incidents for prehospital personnel. Prioritized response, patient assessment and management, and safe, timely transport of the burn patient to a designated burn center within an organized regional system is correlated with significantly improved patient outcomes. Educating EMS personnel to apply critical thinking to promote maintenance of oxygenation and adequate ventilation through selective airway management, maintain organ perfusion and limit secondary injury, manage pain, frequently reassess the patient, and promptly transport to the appropriate facility are all critical to appropriate management of the burn patient. Proactive medical oversight fosters optimal care through use of evidence-based treatment protocols and application of field triage criteria to appropriately direct patient destination.
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