Thermal injuries: the care of the whole child.

In commemorating and honoring the work of Everett Idris Evans we note the extraordinary developments in burn care which have taken place in intravenous therapy, control of infection, skin coverage, metabolism and diet, and the minimization of scarring and deformity. Probably a more important consideration is the emotional care of the burned child in relation to his grievous injury and disfigurement, to his relationship with his family and to his own expectations and those of all those in contact with him for his future, both social and economic. Without this emotional care we must confess that burn care is incomplete. References are made to the way in which the whole child should be cared for by the whole burn team and the principles underlying this. A special note is made of times of crisis to be encountered. The correct approach by trained people from the beginning of the illness and their patient continuation of contact as long as necessary will enormously reduce the suffering both the patients and their parents and will avoid many tragedies.