Burn Management in the Developing World: International Volunteerism

The burden of burn injury falls predominantly on the world's poor, with low-income and middle-income countries accounting for 96% of burn injuries. These vulnerable populations are the least likely to have access to adequate medical care and are the most reliant on volunteer organizations. Every underserved area has a unique set of needs, circumstances, customs, resources, and challenges. The authors' intent is to provide an additional resource for volunteer surgeons who are interested in treating burns. This article reviews planning, organizing, and participating in a burn surgical mission trip.