ABSTRACT
Patients with significant burns will need to be cared for in an intensive care setting. However, depending on how local services are organised, it is possible one may be involved in the initial management of these patients. Burns and thermal injuries can be devastating and complex. A burn is an injury to the skin and tissues that is usually thought of as being caused by heat (thermal) but can also be caused by cold, chemicals, electricity, friction and radiation. Thermal burn injuries can be caused by hot liquids and steam, contact from hot objects, and fire or explosive materials. The functions of skin include protection, immunity, temperature regulation and fluid regulation. It is also important to get as much history of how the burn occurred as possible either from the patient or from the paramedics who have transferred them from the scene of injury.
