What Kind of Difference Do We Want to Make in Burns?

Burns are some of the most devastating forms of trauma a human body may endure and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of our society. Burns cause soft tissue and multi-organ injuries through multiple complex mechanisms and are responsible for life-long physical, functional, social, and psychological impact on burn survivors' quality of lives. While prevention of burns and scalds is the ultimate goal, prevention of further harm once a burn injury has occurred is the next aspiration. Burns first aid consists of application of cool running water for at least 20 minutes within the first three hours of burn injury. Healthcare professionals hold the burden of responsibility to apply this evidence-based early intervention to improve healing and change the trajectory of outcome for patients. Efforts to improve public knowledge and awareness of the impact of early and appropriate burns first aid on burn survivors' quality of life outcomes have to begin close to home.