A global plan for burn prevention and care

• DOI: 10.2471/blt.08.059733
• Publication Date: 2009-10-13T13:01:09Z
• Authors: Michael Peck; Joseph Molnar; Dehran Swart
• Keywords: 1. No poverty; Public Policy; Global Health; Risk Assessment; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Public Health Practice; Humans; Public Health; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270; Burns; 10. No inequality

Introduction Each year more than 300 000 people die from fire-related burn injuries. Millions suffer burn-related disabilities and disfigurements which have psychological, social economic effects on both the survivors their families. The burden of injury is one that falls predominantly world's poor: 95% deaths occur in low- middle-income countries (LMICs). Not only are injuries common lower socioeconomic status, but find pre-injury poverty levels worsen after recovery. Differences mortality rates vary across different age groups. For example, burns sixth leading cause death among 5-14 olds LMICs. Survivors develop wound contractures other physical impairments limit function, lead to handicaps reduce chance economically productive lives. Additionally these often result stigma restriction participation society. Inequity As noted by Mock et al. an editorial Bulletin (1), violence disability tens millions children globe each year. unfairly borne primarily those where prevention programmes uncommon quality acute care inconsistent. Burn dramatic examples inequity. Even a high-income country such as United States America (USA), out proportion racial ethnic minorities, status--more cultural or educational factors--accounts for most increased susceptibility burns. African-American infants requiring hospitalization at centres double general population. (2,3) Most prolonged expensive hospital stays. In addition pain management care, patients require attention nutritional deficiencies, consequences suppression immune system rehabilitation therapy. USA, average fees child (aged 5-16 years) with extensive third-degree skin grafting was US$ 140 000. (2) Yet spite this lavish medical many burned leave hospitals USA permanent psychological scars. Recovery not just skin-deep When confronted story child, first picture comes mind agonizing open wounds, eventually turn into undeniably obvious But thickened, non-compliant tells part story. Much impact psychological. Studies recovery show clearly ability adjust following less dependent characteristics (such size, depth location) patient's situation. Coping ski]Is, family community support, health itself. (5) means struggling backgrounds likely problems reassimilating school community. low-income countries, serious, including isolation even abandonment family, segregation, unemployment extreme poverty. Although affluent families recuperation, children's situations deny them opportunity recover small burn. At time injury, all patients--young old--experience shock, horror, anxiety. children, events follow may confuse believe (sometimes correctly) imminent. …