Early management of severe burns
The early management of the severely burnt patient is prioritised according to the needs identified in the primary and secondary surveys.
![https://www.vicburns.org.au/files/general/900x200/Deep_dermal_hand_burn.png](https://www.vicburns.org.au/files/general/900x200/Deep_dermal_hand_burn.png)
Airway and breathing support
Consider intubation in patients whose airway is at risk
Analgesia
Intravenous analgesia is the preferred route in severe burns
Fluid resuscitation
Fluid resuscitation aims to restore circulating volume and preserve vital organs and tissue perfusion.
Wound care
The goals of initial wound care are to cool the wound, decontaminate and cover the wound quickly.
Escharotomy
A full thickness incision of the circumferential burn
Urine output
Evaluating the adequacy of fluid resuscitation is fundamental to quality care.
Prevent heat loss
Patients with severe burns are at increased risk of developing hypothermia
Other factors
Including tetanus immunisation and the insertion of a nasogastric tube