Table 1 Potential roles of EMT in aftermath of thermonuclear event
Patient Category | Immediate Management | Where | Role of EMT |
|---|---|---|---|
Superficial burns up to 30% TBSA | Oral resuscitation if over 15%, analgesia, dressings, availability of antibiotics | Ambulatory | Distribution and instruction in use of ‘individual emergency burn pack’ |
Superficial burns over 30% TBSA and deep burns up to 40% TBSA | Oral resuscitation if over 15%, analgesia, dressings, availability of antibiotics PLUS early excision and grafting of deep burns | Field Hospital | Manage resuscitation, clean and dress wounds, early excision and grafting. Rapid training of temporary burn care teams to assist with dressings, positioning, mobilising, hygiene, feeding, etc. |
Deep burns over 40% TBSA | IV fluid resuscitation, analgesia dressings and transfer if possible | Transfer out of area to functioning specialist burns service | Confirm triage to ensure appropriate use of very limited transport and specialist services |