Wiener medizinische Wochenschrift
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Severely burned patients should be admitted to a burn center within 24 hours following the thermal trauma. Fluid therapy and emergency treatment of accompanying injuries has to start at the scene of the accident and must be continued at the primary hospital. During primary and secondary transport of the burn victim 3 key problems have to be considered: 1. adequate fluid resuscitation, 2. maintenance of oxygenation and ventilation, 3. prevention of burn wound contamination and iatrogenic hypothermia. Self limitation on therapeutic essentials and refraining from a polyphragmatic approach are the basis for a rational concept for the initial therapy of burn casualties.