EP32 — Mastering Major Burns: Resuscitation and Referral (SOP 009)

Welcome to the rescEU ICU Briefing, a podcast series designed to support our Specialised Cell teams in critical care scenarios. Today, Dr James Whitfield, our senior intensivist, and Sister Eleanor Hayes, our senior ICU nurse, guide us through a critical topic: Severe Burn Care, as outlined in SOP: Annex 4.6-009 (RO ICU SCT). Severe burns represent life-threatening injuries, demanding swift and organised intervention, especially within resource-constrained or surge environments. This episode focuses on standardising your approach to these challenging patients. What we cover in this episode: The purpose and scope of SOP 009, including criteria for major burns and exclusions. Key responsibilities for ICU Leads, Physicians, and Nurses in burn management. The essential steps of initial assessment and resuscitation, following the ABLS protocols. Critical considerations for fluid resuscitation, including the Parkland formula and target urine output. Strategies for hypothermia prevention and initial wound care. Mandatory referral criteria to specialised burn centres, recognising when your ICU Specialised Cell limitations necessitate transfer. Learning Objectives: Understand the standardised approach to initial assessment and resuscitation of adult patients with >20% TBSA burns. Recognise the signs of inhalation injury and indications for early airway management. Accurately apply fluid resuscitation formulae and monitor patient response. Identify critical anatomical burn locations and special circumstances that mandate urgent referral. Implement effective measures to prevent hypothermia in burn patients. Remember, this podcast is based on SOP v1.0 and is intended to supplement, not replace, the official Standard Operating Procedure. Always refer to the most current version of the SOP for definitive guidance. This content is generated with AI assistance to summarise complex medical information effectively. Co-funded by the European Union