What is an acceptable reason for bypassing hospitals for burn victims?

Bypassing hospitals for burn victims is usually considered in the context of the severity and nature of the burns. Choosing to bypass hospitals is justified when dealing with severe burns that cover more than 10% of the total body surface area. This criterion is vital because such extensive burns typically require specialized care, advanced treatment options, and potentially transfer to a burn center, which may not be available at local hospitals.

Severe burns greater than 10% indicate not just extensive injury to the skin but also the possibility of complications such as infection, shock, and even life-threatening fluid loss. Patients with this level of injury often necessitate focused treatment from facilities equipped to provide specialized care, leading to a more favorable outcome.

In contrast, while burns less than 1% total body surface area or burns with controlled pain levels would typically not require bypassing established care facilities, they do not present the same level of immediate life-threatening risk that necessitates urgent specialized intervention. Additionally, the concept of burns occurring only in outpatient settings limits the scope and doesn't factor in the need for immediate transfer based on severity.