This is a pocket-sized resource for staff working in burn care. It covers care of the burn-injured patient from admission and provides a comprehensive overview of inpatient requirements.

Management of major burns is complex and challenging because of the serious and often life-threatening nature of the injuries and associated systemic complications. Therefore, the burn care practitioner requires comprehensive knowledge of the treatment options and procedures that may be used to maximise patient rehabilitation and recovery. This article aims to discuss the latest evidence in burn care, and the treatments and interventions that a patient may receive following a major burn injury.

Patients with major burns require specialist care in burn centres, taking into account the complex systemic response to a burn injury, avoidance of complications, specialist wound care and supportive multidisciplinary management. Occasionally, these patients may be managed in other settings, such as emergency departments or general intensive care units and ward areas, for example after an explosion or major disaster. Therefore, general nurses require an understanding of patients’ complex needs, and should be aware of the latest developments in burn care and up-to-date evidence to ensure best practice.

A burn can be categorised as a major trauma injury, and assessment and management should follow the advanced trauma life support (ATLS) principles. This article aims to identify specific considerations during ATLS assessment of a patient with a major burn in the emergency department. Guidance on stabilisation and referral of the patient to the regional burns centre is provided.