Some of the most serious injuries in car crashes are burns. When people become trapped in a vehicle that catches on fire, there is a high risk of acute injury. There is also a risk of smoke-inhalation injuries, which can damage the lungs.
Burns are a kind of traumatic injury. The good news is that the number of people who die from burns has dropped significantly between 1985 and 2008, the date of the last recorded statistics. Burn fatalities have dropped to around 3,800 yearly from any cause, not just crashes. Part of the reason for this drop in fatalities is that there are more burn centers available around the country.
Burn centers are specialized, and they have trauma teams dedicated to caring for patients who have traumatic injuries. Thanks to medical advancements, patients often recover better than ever before. Some of those advancements include:
- Fluid resuscitation
- Skin replacement
- Infection control
- Nutritional support
- Wound cleaning techniques
One of the most amazing advancements is the ability to grow skin that is based on the patient’s tissues. This allows for natural healing patterns and a better chance of having fewer scars.
It is believed that the rate of deaths from burns will continue to decrease over time, especially with the ability to prevent serious complications. If you are hurt and badly burned in a crash, know that science is on your side today. There are medical treatments that can help you. Make sure you file a claim to get the compensation you need and the medical treatments you deserve now and in the future.
