For which patient should referral to an ABA Burn Center be considered?

Referral to an ABA Burn Center should be considered for patients with a greater than 10% total body surface area (TBSA) partial thickness burn. This threshold is significant because burns of this size can lead to larger fluid losses, increased risk of complications, and a higher likelihood of requiring specialized care such as advanced wound management, surgical intervention, and long-term rehabilitation.

Partial thickness burns affecting more than 10% TBSA can also cause substantial pain and may have extensive injury to the skin, which can complicate healing and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, management in a specialized burn unit with access to multidisciplinary teams is essential for optimal outcomes in these cases.

Burn centers are equipped to handle the more complex cases and to provide comprehensive support not only for the physical injuries but also for the emotional and psychological impacts of severe burns. This includes access to specialists in burn care, occupational and physical therapy, and psychosocial support services, which are crucial for recovery.