Burn injury management in academic medical center with periodic transfer siege due to acts of war: A retrospective analysis of 3085 burn patients

Abstract

BackgroundBarzilai medical center, in Ashkelon Israel, serves intermittently as a frontline hospital in times of war. During conflicts evacuation to adjacent burn centers is impossible. This study aims to describe characteristics of burn victims treated to assess the hospital's capabilities in burn handling. MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted, between 2010 and 2021. All patients with ICD-9 codes describing a burn were recruited. Patients’ and burns' characteristics were analyzed. ResultsA total of 3085 patients were included, a yearly average of 257 patients. The high season was summer. The mean age was 28 years old, and 24 % were in the ages 0–10 years. Patients were predominantly male (61 %). The limbs were the most affected area (60 %). Scald was the most prevalent etiology (45.61 %). Second-degree burns were most common (60 %). TBSA was often less than 5 % (66 %). The majority (92 %) were treated as outpatients. An increase of 30 % in burn injury victims' admission was noted during the last conflict. ConclusionsOur results are in accordance with past studies in terms of the characteristics. We aim to build a reserve force of surgeons to be prepared for war and continued caring for all burn patients when transfer is not possible.