About 51,000 Americans are hospitalized annually for burns; they face countless operations, grueling physical therapy, and emotional trauma. Filmed at the University of California San Diego Regional Burn Center, this program takes an in-depth look at actual treatment of contact and electrical burn patients. Specialists demonstrate how to assess burn percentage and severity; induce a coma-like state with drugs called paralytics to ease internal swelling; and prevent kidney failure from massive dehydration. UCSD Burn Center director Dr. John Hansbrough discusses skin grafts, pressure garments, and the use of TransCyte, a renewable skin replacement he developed which the body will not reject.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.