Burn Care for Non-Burn Trauma Centers: Stabilization, Transfer and Building Local Capacity-Handout: Burn Care for Non-Burn Trauma Centers: Stabilization, Transfer and Building Local Capacity

Handout: Burn Care for Non-Burn Trauma Centers: Stabilization, Transfer and Building Local Capacity

Pdf Summary

The document outlines the importance and guidelines for non-burn trauma centers to effectively manage burn patients. Dr. Elisha G. Brownson of the Alaska Native Medical Center presented the materials as part of a continuing medical education (CME) activity accredited by the Trauma Center Association of America. Healthcare professionals participating in the activity can earn up to 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM for physicians and 1.0 contact hours approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing for nurses.<br /><br />Key points include the need for trauma centers to stabilize and manage burn patients effectively. Important areas of focus are rapid stabilization, initial burn care guidelines, the use of telemedicine, and regional referrals. Initial management principles emphasize rapid stabilization, identifying patients needing transfer, and providing optimal care at every step to prevent secondary injury.<br /><br />Transportation considerations for burn patients involve long distances, high costs, and weather constraints, emphasizing that trauma centers must be ready to care for burn patients for up to 24 hours before transfer. Proper assessment using trauma management principles (ABCDEs) and frequent monitoring for changes in the patient's condition are crucial.<br /><br />The guidelines outline airway management protocols and the use of hydroxocobalamin (Cyanokit) for suspected inhalation injuries. Accurate assessment of burn severity using TBSA percentage and managing fluid resuscitation, especially for burns over 20% TBSA, are critical. The Consensus Formula for fluid management is provided alongside guidance on initial and adjusted fluid rates based on urine output.<br /><br />Furthermore, the document highlights the importance of wound care, including cleaning, debridement, and dressing applications, with special considerations for burns in sensitive areas like the face, hands, and joints. It also describes the potential complications from over-resuscitation, such as total body edema and elevated compartment pressures.<br /><br />Lastly, the use of telemedicine (store-and-forward and videoconferencing) for burn care consultations and the development of regional partnerships to reduce unnecessary transfers and build local capacity are advocated. The integration of telemedicine enhances communication and care coordination with specialty burn centers, improving overall patient outcomes.

Keywords

non-burn trauma centers

burn patient management

Dr. Elisha G. Brownson

continuing medical education

rapid stabilization

telemedicine

airway management

fluid resuscitation

wound care

regional referrals