Thermal Burns and Inhalational Injuries

Burns vary in severity, presentation, and outcomes. There are higher-risk patients who may benefit from direct transport to a burn center. The prehospital management and disposition of a burned patient will be guided by an accurate estimate of the patient’s total body surface area involved. If there is the potential for airway involvement, early intubation is preferred due to the significant risk of edema. In addition to burn injuries, concomitant poisoning may occur from carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, or other chemicals given the environment in which the burn occurs.