Emergency management of pediatric burn victims

Pediatric burn injuries present a major challenge to the health care team, but an orderly, systematic approach can simplify the initial stabilization and management. A clear understanding of the pathology of burn injuries is essential in providing quality burn care in the prehospital setting and at the referring hospital. After the patient has been rescued from the offending agent, assessment of the burn victim begins with the primary survey and life-threatening injuries initially addressed first. This is followed by a secondary survey to document and treat other injuries or problems. Intravenous access may be established in concert with the local/regional medical control and appropriate fluid resuscitation begun. Burn wounds should be covered with clean, dry sheets, and the patient kept warm with blankets to prevent hypothermia. The patient should be transported to the local hospital ED in the most appropriate mode available. At the local hospital, it should be determined if the burn patient needs burn center care, using the ABA Guidelines. In preparing for and organizing the transfer of the burn victim, consideration must be given to the continued monitoring and management of the patient during transport. In transferring burn patients the same priorities developed for the prehospital management are still operative. During the initial assessment and treatment and throughout the transport, an adequate airway, breathing, circulation, fluid resuscitation, urine output, and pain control must be assured. Ideally, transport of burn victims will occur through and organized, protocol driven plan that includes specialized transport mechanisms and personnel. Successful transport of burn victims, whether in the pre-hospital phase or during inter-hospital transfer, requires careful attention to treatment priorities, protocols, and attention to detail.