PFC Podcast: Burns In The Austere Environment
Thu Feb 05 2026
In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dr. DeMello discusses the complexities of managing burn injuries in a pre-hospital setting. He emphasizes the importance of following established guidelines, understanding the nuances of fluid resuscitation, and the critical role of pain management. The conversation also covers the indications for escharotomy, the significance of cooling burns, and common mistakes made in burn management. Dr. DeMello shares valuable insights from his extensive experience in military medicine, highlighting the need for compassion and effective communication in trauma care.
Takeaways
Burns are a major cause of panic in trauma situations.
Follow the MARCH guidelines for initial assessment.
TBSA calculations are often overestimated in pre-hospital settings.
Fluid resuscitation should be based on available resources.
Pain management is crucial and should prioritize patient comfort.
Escharotomy should be performed with careful planning and timing.
Cooling a burn can significantly reduce its severity if done promptly.
Compassionate care can greatly improve patient outcomes.
Monitoring urine output is essential for assessing kidney function.
Avoid common mistakes like neglecting the back in assessments.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Burns and Trauma Care
02:07 Initial Assessment and Management of Burns
05:58 Fluid Resuscitation Strategies
09:58 Pain Management in Burn Patients
21:57 Escharotomy: Indications and Techniques
34:10 Cooling Burns and Managing Hypothermia
40:10 Common Mistakes in Burn Management
For more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org
Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care
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In this episode of the PFC Podcast, Dr. DeMello discusses the complexities of managing burn injuries in a pre-hospital setting. He emphasizes the importance of following established guidelines, understanding the nuances of fluid resuscitation, and the critical role of pain management. The conversation also covers the indications for escharotomy, the significance of cooling burns, and common mistakes made in burn management. Dr. DeMello shares valuable insights from his extensive experience in military medicine, highlighting the need for compassion and effective communication in trauma care. Takeaways Burns are a major cause of panic in trauma situations. Follow the MARCH guidelines for initial assessment. TBSA calculations are often overestimated in pre-hospital settings. Fluid resuscitation should be based on available resources. Pain management is crucial and should prioritize patient comfort. Escharotomy should be performed with careful planning and timing. Cooling a burn can significantly reduce its severity if done promptly. Compassionate care can greatly improve patient outcomes. Monitoring urine output is essential for assessing kidney function. Avoid common mistakes like neglecting the back in assessments. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Burns and Trauma Care 02:07 Initial Assessment and Management of Burns 05:58 Fluid Resuscitation Strategies 09:58 Pain Management in Burn Patients 21:57 Escharotomy: Indications and Techniques 34:10 Cooling Burns and Managing Hypothermia 40:10 Common Mistakes in Burn Management For more content, go to www.prolongedfieldcare.org Consider supporting us: patreon.com/ProlongedFieldCareCollective or www.lobocoffeeco.com/product-page/prolonged-field-care