Burns mass disasters: aetiology, predisposing situations and initial management.

Many agents that are encountered daily are liable to cause burns mass disasters. These include flames, hot water and steam, combustible gases and liquids, molten liquids, boiling liquid expanding vapour explosion, chemicals and explosives. They result in disaster when certain lacks in safety occur. The proper management of such burns victims begins with rescue. At the disaster site, triage is important to separate the living from the dead, decide on priorisation for initial treatment and then evacuation to an appropriate facility. Proper management requires team effort and should be continued en-route to hospital. Repeat triage and use of clear guidelines in the Emergency Department ensure optimal and rapid care of the casualties. Finally psychological support for victims, relatives, rescuers and health workers must not be forgotten.