When can patients skip directly to a Burn Center?

Patients can skip directly to a Burn Center when there is a significant amount of total body surface area affected because this indicates a more serious condition that requires specialized care. Burn Centers are equipped to handle severe burns, including those that cover a large percentage of the body, as well as associated complications like fluid resuscitation, infection control, and advanced wound care.

In cases of minor injuries, the standard protocol typically involves starting care at a lower-level facility unless other criteria are met. A patient with any level of burn may not always need specialized care, as minor burns can often be treated effectively in other medical facilities. Additionally, an individual requesting to go directly to a Burn Center does not always indicate a medical necessity; the need for treatment at such a facility is based on the severity and extent of the burns rather than purely on patient preference. Therefore, significant total body surface area involvement is a critical factor that warrants referral to a Burn Center.