Extensive burns covering a large percentage of the body: A patient with extensive burns covering more than 10% of their body, particularly if the burns are deep, should be sent to a specialized burn center. These burns require specialized care, including fluid resuscitation, wound care, and monitoring for potential complications such as sepsis.
Burns involving critical areas: Burns to critical areas such as the face, hands, feet, genitals, and joints are considered high-risk and require specialized care. Burn centers have the resources to provide comprehensive care to these patients, including reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation, and psychological support.
Inhalation injury: Burn patients who have suffered inhalation injury, such as smoke or chemical inhalation, require specialized care. Inhalation injury can cause damage to the airway and lungs, and these patients require close monitoring and respiratory support.
Chemical burns: Chemical burns require specialized care and often involve unique treatment strategies. Depending on the type of chemical involved, patients may require specific antidotes or decontamination procedures, which are best provided in a burn center with experience in managing chemical burns.