Part 1: Pre-hospital Burns with Krissie Stiles

Pre-Hospital Care Podcast

In this conversation, we will explore the key aspects of burn care, beginning with the prevalence, causes, and classification of burn severities. We'll dive into understanding the physiological responses to burns and the potential complications that can arise, ranging from infections to organ failure. Emphasising evidence-based management, we will discuss the critical priorities in burn care, including initial assessment, fluid resuscitation, airway management, pain control, and cooling, followed by safe transportation to specialised facilities.

As we move forward, we'll examine the potential complications that burn patients face, such as shock, infections, and long-term scarring. We'll also highlight prevention strategies to reduce the occurrence of burns and the importance of coordinated care with burn centres. The psychological impacts on patients and their families, which can be profound and long-lasting, will also be a focus, as well as the continuum of care that extends from the acute phase to rehabilitation and reintegration into daily life.

Additionally, we'll discuss the training requirements for healthcare providers in burn care, and the ongoing quality improvement processes in this field, and reflect on memorable or particularly challenging cases that our guest, Kristina Stiles, has encountered in her extensive career.

Kristina Stiles, who joins us for this conversation, is a highly experienced nurse specialising in burns and plastic surgery since 2003, with an MSc in Burn Care attained in 2019. Kristina has played a pivotal role in developing Clinical Practice Guidelines and patient information initiatives aimed at improving the quality of care. She is the founder of the British Burn Association’s Pre-Hospital Special Interest Group, where she has worked collaboratively across various specialities to enhance pre-hospital burn care practices.

Her contributions to the field are noteworthy, including award-winning projects such as "The Burns Game" and the "Saving Lives is Not Enough" report, both of which have had a significant impact on burn care practices and patient outcomes. Kristina is a staunch advocate for patient voices in healthcare and has received numerous accolades, including awards for "Outstanding Patient Care," "Innovation in Care," and "Effective Burn Care." In addition to her professional achievements, Kristina serves as an Ambassador of the Children's Burns Trust, further demonstrating her commitment to improving the lives of burn patients and their families.

Through this discussion, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of pre-hospital burn care, from initial management strategies to long-term outcomes, while also highlighting best practices, recent advancements, and real-world experiences that shape the field today.

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