Burned-and-battered adults

The existence of a previously unrecognized group of patients, burned-and-battered adults, has been recognized. This retrospective review identifies some of the characteristics of the 41 burned-and-battered adults admitted to a burn center during a two-year period. The typical scenario was a domestic quarrel that included a male victim, a female assailant, and a scald injury involving the victims anterior trunk and upper extremity. The average burn size was 14% of the total body surface area. Four victims died as a result of their injuries. Although these victims represented only 10% of all patients admitted to the burn center, there may be many more undetected burned-and-battered adults. Only when the seriousness and magnitude of the problem are recognized can appropriate medical, legal, and social interventions be made to meet the needs of these burned patients.