BUILDING A BURN TEAM

IN YOUR HOSPITAL
Dr. Andi Azwadi Rais
Introduction
Since the Second World War, advances in Burn Care have resulted in marked
decrease in mortality and morbidity from severe burns :
▪ Intravenous Resuscitation
▪ Improved Nutrition
▪ Systemic and Topical Antimicrobials
▪ Protocols of Surgery that promote early closure of burns
ALL OF THESE FACTORS ARE CONTRIBUTED TO REMARKABLE SURVIVAL
OF BURN PATIENTS
BURN TEAM

Consist of MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM

whose individual skills are complementary
to each other, providing the best quality
care to burn patients
WHO ARE THEY ?
(1) PRE HOSPITAL CLINICIANS
FIRST RESPONDER :
MEDICAL DOCTOR, PARAMEDICS AND AMBULANCE TEAM

They provide essentials pre-hospital care for burn patient by initiating first aid,
stabilizing airway and cervical spine, initializing fluid resuscitation and other pre-
hospital assists for survival and optimal outcome
(2) EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT
Most burn patients will be assessed and received
their initial treatments in Emergency Department.
A highly effective working relationship between the
Burn Unit and Emergency Department is essential
to ensure high quality care.
(3) SURGEONS
BURN SURGERY is a Sub-Specialty of Plastic Surgery.
Burn Surgeon have a particular interest in the
management of the seriously injured burn patients,
in wound healing, reconstructive surgery for burn
patients, rehabilitation and other related research.
(4) NURSES
The Burn Nurse is a pivotal member of the team,
providing day to day continuity of care.

Burn Nurses have specialist expert in wound care, skin graft care and
discharge planning of burn patients.
Along the patient journey, Burn Nurse not only focusing on the
physical, but also the psychosocial recovery and rehabilitation.
(5) ANESTHESIOLOGIST
Burn Surgery require specialized anesthetic
techniques to assist the Burn Surgeon in
treating the severely ill patient, controlling the
pain, managing blood loss and fluid therapy, and
maximizing the burn wound closure treatment.
(6) INTENSIVE CARE

Many severely burn patients are admitted in some

stage of their hospitalization to an Intensive Care Unit.
A high quality working relationship between the Burn
Unit and Intensive Care Unit is also essential to provide
optimal care and optimal outcome for the patient.
(7) PHYSIOTHERAPIST AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Therapists play an important role in the care and
rehabilitation of the burn patient.
Rehabilitation begins from the time of admission to the
burn unit and continues well after discharge
in the out-patient setting.
Burn Therapist is a specialized sub-discipline and is critical
for optimal functional outcome.
 (8) CLINICAL NUTRITIONIST & DIETICIANS
Optimal Nutrition is necessary to counteract the
extreme catabolic response that occurs
with severe burns.

Specialized Dieticians attached to the Burn Units provide

appropriate calculated feeding regimens and
enhanced oral intake.
(9) OTHER SPECIALIST
OTHER RELATED SPECIALITY, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CURRENT SITUATION
AND COMPLICATION OF BURN INJURY :

INTERNIST, PEDIATRICIAN, PULMONOLOGIST,

CARDIOLOGIST, NEUROLOGIST, PSYCHIATRIST,
MICROBIOLOGIST, CLINICAL PATHOLOGIST,
RADIOLOGIST
The Burn Team provides optimal
quality of care utilizing shared
management protocols which
provide individual support for
team members and provide the
highest quality of care for the
burn patient.
Thank You