Fundamentals of burns

In this module, you will understand what is a burn, what are the main causes in this injury, how to identify the different severities and how to classify burns. You will also learn more about the pathophysiology with local and systemic responses as well as the main risk factors. Finally, some facts and figures about prevalence and incidence will be shared at the end.

Burns can happen to anyone, anywhere at anytime. The most common burns are small and superficial leading to local injuries; they are often very painful. Some burns can be extensive, slow healing, disfiguring or resulting in contractures and/or joint dysfunction which may cause psychological stress and significantly impact the quality of life. In severe cases, the management of burns can be complex and will require a multidisciplinary approach.

In order to manage burns effectively, it is key to understand the etiology, the different burn types and the criteria for referral.