The number of burn surgeons and dedicated burn centers in the United States has steadily decreased since the 1980s. This places people with serious burns at increased risk, especially those in rural areas. Fortunately, advances in telemedicine mean patients are more likely to survive and require rehabilitation.

Geography and population density limit access to many forms of specialized health care, including intensive care and rehabilitation. The result is people in rural areas are twice as likely to die from fire-related incidents as those in urban populations. Add to that the fact the US has the highest incidence of fire deaths in the industrialized world, and the problem of declining burn centers and surgeons becomes clear.

Outcomes are surprisingly good for burn injuries, even very serious burns, if a patient receives knowledgeable acute care and comprehensive rehabilitation in a specialized burn center. And now, with the emergence of telemedicine, more people may be able to receive the level of care they need to recover well. The future of burn care may fall to telemedicine services, which would allow burn surgeons to provide remote assistance where no onsite specialists are available.

Paradigm Outcomes works to keep up with the latest technology to ensure the best care for those with acquired brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple traumas, amputations and severe burns. For more information on 21st century burn care, watch Paradigm’s recent webinar.