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A Swine Burn Model for Investigating the Healing Process in Multiple Depth Burn Wounds
Published on: February 23, 2024
Prehospital burn management in a combat zone
Kimberly F Lairet1, Julio R Lairet, Booker T King
1United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, Fort Sam Houston, Texas 78234, USA. kimberly.franzen@us.army.mil
Prehospital Emergency Care
|December 24, 2011
Summary
Prehospital care for major burns in combat zones showed inconsistent fluid resuscitation, with many receiving none or excessive amounts. Pain management was also lacking, highlighting a need for better training for combat medical personnel.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
- Military Medicine
Background:
- Prehospital management of severe burns in combat zones presents unique challenges.
- Standardized protocols for fluid resuscitation and pain management are crucial for improving outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the prehospital management of thermal burn injuries in a combat zone.
- To evaluate fluid resuscitation and pain management practices for casualties with extensive burns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of U.S. military casualties with >20% total-body-surface-area thermal burns.
- Data collected from January 2006 to August 2009 at Ibn Sina Combat Support Hospital.
Main Results:
- 48 casualties met inclusion criteria; 50% received prehospital vascular access, but only 20 received fluid resuscitation.
- 58.3% did not receive prehospital fluid resuscitation; those who did often received volumes exceeding guidelines.
- Only 27.1% of casualties received prehospital pain medication.
Conclusions:
- Prehospital fluid resuscitation practices for combat casualties with major burns were dichotomous: none or excessive.
- Inconsistent pain management was observed, even in casualties with vascular access.
- Findings underscore the need for enhanced education for prehospital medical personnel in combat zones.
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