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 2020 – 30 June 2021
3,484 PATIENTS
3,484 patients were admitted to burns units between the year 2020 - 2021. This is a 3.5% increase in admitted patients in comparison to 2019/2020.
2,474 PATIENTS WERE ADULTS
- 2,474 patients were adults
- 71% of the total burns population
- 41% of adult burns are due to a flame
1009 PATIENTS WERE CHILDREN
- 1009 patients were children
- 28.9% of the total burns population
- 31% of paediatric cases were aged between one to two years
- 49% of burns in children are due to scalds
26% OF CHILDREN & 43% OF ADULTS
- 26% of children did not receive the recommended first aid for burn injuries.
- 43% of adults did not receive the recommended first aid for burn injuries.
77% OF CASES
77% of patients underwent at least one burn wound management procedure in theatre.
42% OF PATIENTS
42% of patients with a burn exceeding 50% total body surface area died
3.9 DAYS
The median hospital stay length was 3.9 days.
3 TIMES HIGHER
Compared to major Australian cities, the rate of burn injury per 100,000 people is higher in regional and remote areas.
3 TIMES AS LIKELY
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are more than 3 times as likely to be admitted to hospitals 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.