Abstract
Caring for children and adults with serious burn injuries brings many challenges in both the acute and long-term reconstruction and rehabilitative phases. This chapter reviews various types of burns and addresses the causes, the extent of the burns, and the physical, psychological, and home care needs of the burn patient and their loved ones. Although burn incidence has decreased slightly in the United States, there are still approximately 40,000 patients who sustain burn injuries requiring medical treatment or hospitalization annually. Burn injuries are one of the most expensive and most difficult catastrophic injuries to treat. The recovery journey often lasts a lifetime. Therefore, a well-constructed life care plan endorsed by the appropriate and experienced medical experts is imperative to their well-being.