The primary care management of burns

In 1993, there were 2.2 million burns per year, with approximately 60,000 burn victims needing hospitalization. Burns are a major cause of traumatic injury in all ages of the population. No matter the cause, the basic pathophysiology of all burns is similar. It is essential for primary care providers to understand the physiologic alterations that occur with burns and to have a complete knowledge of the assessment and treatment of burns. Patient outcome is directly related to initial stabilization and resuscitation. The article discusses history taking and care of the burn patient at the site and the tools used for an accurate assessment of the burn. Thorough assessment is needed before management plans can be instituted. Risks associated with burns and recommendations for management of patients, including using the Parkland formula for fluid resuscitation, are also presented. A quarter of a million burns can be treated adequately on an outpatient basis.