ABSTRACT
Burns are defined as coagulative necrosis of the skin resulting from thermal, electrical or chemical injury. Radiation can cause burns. They are classified according to the depth of injury as follows: Superficial, partial thickness, and full thickness. Circumferential burns, which are inelastic, limit the ability of the underlying tissue to expand. This causes a tourniquet effect, limiting perfusion and leading to tissue ischaemia and necrosis. The patient requires urgent echarotomies to relieve the constriction. Although the area is insensate and echarotomies can be performed in the emergency room, in most circumstances they can be delayed until the patient has been transferred to a specialist unit. The chapter explores the indications of an inhalational injury and the indications for transfer to a Burns Unit.
