Burns are a life altering event. They cause immediate and long-term traumas to mind and body and are arguably the most painful, unique and complex injury a human can suffer.
Whether it is a hot liquid scalding injury to a child, or a horrific injury caused by fire, explosion or vehicle accident, the impact of a severe burn can last a lifetime with many having to deal with the physical and emotional effects every day of their lives. Recovery can be long-term, complex and challenging.
What the stats tell us
BRANZ Report | 1 July 2017 – 30 June 2018
3,549 PATIENTS
3,549 patients were admitted to burns units in the 2017-2018 year. This is a 5% increase for the 2016-17 year
2,457 PATIENTS WERE ADULTS
- 2,457 patients were adults
- 71% of the total burns population
- 43% of adult burns are due to a flame
1,002 PATIENTS WERE CHILDREN
- 1,002 patients were children
- 29% of the total burns population
- One third were toddlers under two years
- 56% of burns in children are due to scalds
23% OF CHILDREN
23% of children did not receive the recommended first aid for burn injuries
76% OF CASES
76% of cases underwent at least one procedure in the operating theatre
56% OF PATIENTS
56% of patients with a burn exceeding 50% total body surface area died
9 DAYS
Medium length of stay for older adults is almost 9 days
3 TIMES HIGHER
Burn injuries in remote areas is approximately 3 times higher than in major metropolitan cities
3 TIMES AS LIKELY
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are more than 3 times as likely to be admitted to hospital with a burn injury than other Australians
OVER $150 MILLION
- Burns cost the Australian community over $150 million per annum
- More than $2000 of taxpayer funds are required per 24 hours of admission for specialist burn care
Our ongoing challenge
Our challenge is to minimise the devastation caused by visible scarring and discover what influences the effect invisible scarring has on:
- the skins capacity to heal
- the development and maintenance of scarring
- additional long-term physical health issues
- psychosocial wellbeing
Only with this knowledge can we truly unravel the mysteries of burn injury and address the problems associated with the functional, psychological and cosmetic aspects of burn scars. Doing this through developing and using individual treatment plans will ultimately improve the quality of life for those recovering from burn injuries.