BURN INJURIES

This guideline focuses exclusively on the initial emergency management of burn patients, starting from first contact in prehospital or emergency settings through stabilization and preparation for definitive care. It addresses essential priorities such as airway security, breathing support, circulatory stabilization, pain and sedation strategies, wound coverage, and fluid resuscitation. The recommendations are designed for frontline healthcare providers, including emergency physicians, anaesthesiologists, critical care physicians, burn surgeons, plastic surgeons, general surgeons, ICU staff, emergency nurses, primary care physicians, and medical trainees (interns and residents), and apply to all levels of care, from basic emergency facilities to specialized burn centers. The scope deliberately excludes long-term rehabilitation, reconstructive surgery, and outpatient follow-up, concentrating instead on interventions that determine survival and early functional outcomes. These guidelines are adaptable to varying resource environments and emphasize practical steps that can be implemented safely and effectively within local constraints. ^(1-5,8,9)

The purpose of this guideline is to provide clear, evidence-informed recommendations for the early management of burn injuries in emergency settings. It aims to standardize clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, and reduce variability in care delivery. By integrating international best practices with local healthcare realities, this guideline supports clinicians in making timely, effective decisions during the critical initial phase of burn care. ^(1-5,9,10)