When should a patient with burns be immediately transferred to a burn center?

In the context of burn management, a patient should be immediately transferred to a burn center when there is facial involvement with burns. This is due to several critical factors. Facial burns can lead to significant complications, including airway compromise, swelling, and the potential for inhalation injuries if the burn was caused by fire or steam. The presence of burns on the face necessitates specialized care to assess and manage these risks effectively.

Burn centers are equipped with healthcare professionals and resources specialized in treating complex burn injuries, particularly those involving areas such as the face, which may require intricate surgical interventions, rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary care to optimize functional and aesthetic outcomes.

While other scenarios, such as third-degree burns or burns involving hands and feet, also warrant consideration for transfer, the immediate threat to airway and potential for severe complications make facial involvement a more urgent situation in need of specialized care. Burns covering more than 10% of the body are concerning as well, but the unique implications of burns to the face make this the primary reason for urgent transfer.