Citation

Lawrence JC. Fire Safety J. 1991; 17(3): 205-215.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The mortality associated with 2936 burns and scalds admitted to a large regional burns unit over a recent 7-year period was analysed by probit analysis. The results were compared and contrasted with those obtained 15 and 30 years ago. Case mortality had decreased by 19% compared with that reported in 1971.Scalds had a lower case mortality than burns, despite the fact that some scalds cause extensive injury. Fire and flames accounted for many serious burns; buildings on fire, flammable liquid and space heating being responsible for many of the deaths.Although the overall admission rate has not significantly altered over the last 20 years, the incidence of burns from clothing catching alight has more than halved since 1955; case mortality has decreased by almost two-thirds. Nightdress burns have decreased dramatically during this time.The reasons for these changes are discussed. Despite the encouraging decline in deaths due to thermal injury it is to be remembered that many survivors are permanently scarred and a substantial number require corrective surgery at intervals over many years.