Burns greater than what percentage of Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) indicate a need for airway management?

Airway management becomes a critical consideration in burn patients when burns exceed 40% of Total Body Surface Area (TBSA). This threshold is significant due to the physiological changes that occur with extensive burns, including the risk of airway swelling, inhalation injuries, and respiratory compromise.

Burns of this severity can cause significant fluid shifts, leading to hypovolemia and potential alterations in consciousness, which may impair a patient's ability to protect their own airway. Additionally, victims may have sustained inhalation injuries, particularly if the burn occurred in an enclosed environment or involved inhalation of hot gases or toxic substances. As a result, close monitoring of the airway becomes essential when TBSA exceeds this percentage to prevent potential airway obstruction and ensure adequate oxygenation.

Consequently, exceeding 40% TBSA indicates the need for proactive airway management strategies to safeguard the patient’s respiratory function effectively. Understanding this critical threshold allows medical personnel to establish the necessary interventions early on, minimizing potential complications associated with severe burns.