Early management of paediatric burn injuries

Burns are common injuries in the paediatric population and comprise a significant epidemiological problem worldwide. This article describes the most common patterns of burn injuries encountered in clinical practice as well as the basic principles of burn wound pathophysiology. Key aspects of clinical management including assessment of burn depth and total burn surface area are described and issues pertinent to paediatric fluid resuscitation are discussed. Particular reference is made to the provision of optimal pre-hospital first aid and the principles of specialist management according to UK national guidelines.