What should pre-hospital personnel do if transport time to a Burn Center is greater than 60 minutes?

When pre-hospital personnel encounter a situation where transport time to a Burn Center exceeds 60 minutes, consulting the Burn Center for destination consideration is the most appropriate action. This step is crucial because the Burn Center has specialized facilities and expertise necessary for treating severe burn injuries. By consulting with the Burn Center, pre-hospital personnel can receive guidance on whether to divert to a closer facility that may be able to provide timely and adequate treatment for the patient’s condition.

In cases of severe burns where the specialized resources of a Burn Center may not be reachable within a reasonable time frame, the decision to consult ensures that patients receive the best possible care without unnecessary delays. The Burn Center's staff can assess the patient's condition based on information provided and may recommend redirecting to another hospital that can address urgent needs while preparing for a possible transfer to the Burn Center later.

This proactive approach ensures optimal care and outcomes for burn patients who require advanced management that may not be available at a closer hospital.