Standards and Recommendations for Burns Care in Mass Casualty Incidents

Publication Date: November 25, 2024
Last Updated: November 25, 2024

Fluid Management Recommendations

For patients in mass burn incidents, treat with oral fluid resuscitation and where possible, supplement with intravenous (IV) fluid depending on patient need, clinical resources and provider discretion.

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General Technical Standards

  • As part of their mass casualty or disaster plan, it is recommended that Member States include specific provisions for a potential mass burn incident.
  • Burn Assessment Teams (BATs) serve advisory, clinical and coordination roles while Burn Specialist Teams (BSTs) serve a primary clinical role.
  • Member States should consider creating a national BAT or having bilateral or regional agreements to request BATs from neighbouring countries as part of their national EMT system and their national emergency response plan.
  • BSTs may be best shared regionally among multiple countries, either sourced from one larger country, and/or with contributions from experts and resources in nearby countries within the region.
  • Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) may be a subset of coordination activities requiring specialized clinical support. Countries must consider the inclusion of a MEDEVAC coordination function within their national coordination mechanisms.

Overview

Title

Standards and Recommendations for Burns Care in Mass Casualty Incidents

Authoring Organization

World Health Organization