Terminology of Burns and Fire Disasters

Abstract

All techniques, professions and organized activities generate their own and specific terminology — and surgery, burn therapy and fire protection are no exception. Whether an accidental burn, a major thermal injury, a fire disaster or a natural catastrophe, the response calls for specialized health care, prolonged surgical intervention, mobilization of community fire-fighting services, pertinent government departments and even international assistance, depending on the gravity and magnitude of the emergency. The many agencies, professions, specialists and individuals, from different disciplines, different countries, different cultures, and using different professional languages, converge on the stricken area to help the victims, who themselves may be of a different language and background.