management of major burns

Last reviewed 10/2022

The management of a major burn should be systematic. Importantly, as major burns are frequently associated with major trauma, the burn should not distract the clinician away from an injury that will kill more rapidly. To this end, the Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines should be followed with constant consideration to burn management. Hence, the stages include:

• primary survey
• secondary survey
• emergency burn wound care
• emergency treatment of particular types of burn

Stages include:

• initial assessment of injury
• secure the airway
• assess the extent of injury
• secure i.v. access and volume replacement
• take requisite blood samples and other investigations
• provide analgesia
• catheterise the bladder
• reassess - airway, fluid balance
• consider hospital admission