Telemedicine-supported pediatric burn mass casualty response in a rural emergency department.
Laura A O'Rourke, Chad D Williams, Kelly S Goszkowicz et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
Three critically injured pediatric burn patients arrived simultaneously at a rural emergency department following an enclosed structural fire. Pre-arrival EMS notification allowed for the early activation of mass casualty protocols and telemedicine consultations with specialists. Despite limited staffing, all patients were stabilized and transferred to a regional burn center, with two surviving to discharge and one being compassionately extubated later.
What made this case unusual
This case illustrates the effective use of telemedicine in coordinating care during a pediatric burn mass casualty incident in a rural emergency department, a scenario that is rarely documented.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Early activation of mass casualty protocols and telemedicine support can significantly enhance the management of pediatric burn patients in rural emergency settings.
Why it matters
This case underscores the potential of telemedicine to improve outcomes in emergency responses to rare but critical incidents, particularly in resource-limited environments.