Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS)

About the Course

With the increasing prevalence of burn injuries in both urban and industrial settings, professionals must be adept at providing timely, evidence-based interventions that address the complexities of these severe injuries. Burn injuries present unique and critical challenges in the medical field, requiring prompt and precise intervention to minimise mortality and improve long-term outcomes. The Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS) training course is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the advanced skills needed to manage burn victims effectively in the initial phase of care. It provides a comprehensive approach, ensuring that delegates gain the necessary tools and knowledge to manage burn patients confidently in emergency and pre-hospital environments.

Effective burn care requires a multifaceted approach involving medical expertise and the ability to act quickly under pressure. It aims to prepare professionals to handle burn victims across a range of severities, from minor burns to life-threatening injuries. It focuses on developing proficiency in rapid assessment, pain management, and fluid resuscitation—fundamental areas that can significantly affect the patient’s prognosis. As first responders or initial care providers, medical personnel must be proficient in these critical steps to prevent complications and ensure a higher chance of survival and recovery for burn victims.

It emphasizes the importance of a systematic, multidisciplinary approach to burn management, promoting collaboration among emergency care teams, burn specialists, and other healthcare professionals. It is specifically designed for those working in high-pressure environments, where swift decision-making and specialised skills can make the difference between life and death by providing in-depth knowledge and practical applications of burn care protocols while aiming to enhance the preparedness and confidence of healthcare providers. Ultimately, it aims to save lives, improve outcomes, and ensure the highest standards of care for those suffering from burn injuries.

Core Objectives

The delegates will achieve the following objectives: 

• Remember the key principles of burn injury assessment and classification
• Explain the physiological effects of burn injuries and their impact on body systems
• Apply the proper techniques for fluid resuscitation and shock management in burn victims
• Assess burn severity and prioritise interventions based on patient condition and injury type
• Evaluate pain management strategies and determine the appropriate methods for different burn injury scenarios
• Develop an individualised care plan for a burn patient, incorporating pain management, fluid therapy, and infection prevention
• Integrate multidisciplinary team collaboration to ensure comprehensive care for burn patients across various healthcare settings

Training Approach

This training course uses interactive lectures, hands-on practice, and simulated scenarios to reinforce critical burn management skills. Delegates will engage in real-life case studies and role-playing exercises to enhance decision-making under pressure. It emphasizes active learning, enabling healthcare professionals to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations and ensuring competency in managing burn trauma.

The Attendees

This training course is designed for healthcare professionals involved in the initial care and management of burn injuries, including paramedics, emergency room physicians, nurses, and critical care providers.

It will be valuable to the professionals but not limited to the following:

• Emergency Room Nurses
• Critical Care Nurses
• Flight Nurses and Transport Nurses
• Military Nurses
• Pediatric Trauma Nurses
• Operating Room Nurses Handling Trauma Cases
• Nurses in Trauma Rehabilitation Units
• Healthcare Professionals transitioning to Trauma Care
• Advanced Practice Nurses in Acute Care Settings
• Nurse Coordinators in Trauma Centers
• Nurse Practitioners in Trauma-related Fields
• Operating Room Nurses Handling Trauma Cases

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: INITIAL ASSESSMENT AND PRIORITISATION

• Airway Management and Respiratory Support
• Fluid Resuscitation and IV Access
• Burn Size and Depth Assessment
• Immediate Burn Injury Management Protocols
• Initial Pain Control and Analgesia
• Triage and Prioritisation in Mass Casualty Settings

DAY TWO: ADVANCED BURN WOUND CARE

• Assessment of Full-Thickness Burns
• Infection Control and Burn Wound Care
• Debridement Techniques and Protocols
• Topical Burn Medications and Dressings
• Burn Fluid and Electrolyte Management
• Preventing Complications from Infections

DAY THREE: BURN SHOCK AND HEMODYNAMIC SUPPORT

• Pathophysiology of Burn Shock
• Monitoring and Managing Fluid Balance
• Vasopressor and Inotropic Support
• Early Recognition of Burn-induced Organ Failure
• Laboratory Investigations in Burn Shock
• Renal Protection and Dialysis Considerations

DAY FOUR: PAIN MANAGEMENT AND SEDATION

• Assessment and Classification of Burn Pain
• Multimodal Pain Management Strategies
• Role of Narcotics, NSAIDs, and Local Anesthetics
• Sedation Protocols for Burn Patients
• Psychological and Emotional Support
• Ethical Considerations in Pain Management

DAY FIVE: REHABILITATION AND LONG-TERM CARE

• Burn Scar Management and Physical Therapy
• Preventing Contractures and Functional Loss
• Psychosocial Support for Burn Survivors
• Long-term Nutritional and Medical Management
• Family Education and Community Support
• Discharge Planning and Follow-up Care