Episode 5: The Burn Podcast

Featuring: Dr. Michael Cooper and Dr. Anand Swaminathan

Here are the top takeaways from the Burn Podcast:

1. The Parkland formula can be used to be a guide for initial fluid resuscitation. This is based on second- and third-degree burns (not first-degree). Utilize response to treatment as a guide to continue fluid resuscitation.

2. Patients in fires in closed spaces for a prolonged time are at risk for airway edema and need for intubation. History of fire is very important and please monitor patient condition, voice, and repeat physical exam.

3. Prophylactic antibiotics can be avoided in most burn cases.

4. Checking extremity pulses for extremity burns are important. Loss of pulse should trigger an escharotomy. Continued loss of pulse should trigger a fasciotomy.

5. Have a low threshold for starting Hydroxocobalamin for possible cyanide toxicity and for testing for a carboxyhemoglobin level for possible carbon monoxide toxicity.