Assessment of burn severity

      • Time of burn injury o In order to estimate the size of burned area, use the Wallace rule of Nines or the ‘half burnt/half not’ approach
      • Mechanism of Injury (flame {clothes or patient caught fire}, flash burn, scald, electrical, chemical)
      • Burn within confined space = possible inhalation injury
      • In children and elderly, always be mindful of potential Non Accidental Injury. Keep good records and keep the clothing.

References

    • 40. Ashworth HL, Cubison TC, Gilbert PM, Sim KM. Treatment before transfer: the patient with burns. Emerg.Med J 2001;18:349-51.
    • 41. McGugan EA, Paterson B, Nichol N, Klaassen B. Re: Accuracy of burn size estimation and subsequent fluid resuscitation prior to arrival at the Yorkshire Regional Burns Unit. A three year retrospective study. Burns 2000;26:415-6.
    • 42. Collis N, Smith G, Fenton OM. Accuracy of burn size estimation and subsequent fluid resuscitation prior to arrival at the Yorkshire Regional Burns Unit. A three year retrospective study. Burns 1999;25:345-51.
    • 43. Hammond JS,.Ward CG. Transfers from emergency room to burn center: errors in burn size estimate. J Trauma 1987;27:1161-5.