Paediatric Burns series: #1

​An introduction + first aid

Epidemiology
Predominantly scalds and contact burns in children.
Cups of tea and coffee.
​Think about primary prevention.

​First aid
Stop the burning process: remove clothing, don’t remove if adherent
Cool with running water, for 20 minutes
Temporary dressing: cling film
Elevate limbs
​

Basic principles

• IGNORE the burn in the primary survey
• Call for help! Ideally a senior (paediatric) anaesthetist. Roles: airway management, vascular access, analgesia, transfer, to bring calm where there is panic
• Consider the mechanism (are there any non-burn injuries?)
• Keep the patient warm (EDs are cold)

How are hospitals that look after burned patients organised?
Facility > unit > centre (National Burn Care Referral Guidance)

• Facilities: less complex burns, part of a plastic surgery service
• Units: moderate size or moderate severity burns, include providing treatment for those requiring critical care
• Centres: highest level of care with most severe injuries and highest level of critical care

In the South West:
Derriford is a burns facility.
Bristol Southmead is a burns unit for adults
Morriston, Swansea is a burns centre for adults
Bristol Children’s Hospital is burns centre for children

C Bosanko; Jan 2017​​