Pattern of Thermal Burn Case Incidences Studied at a tertiary care hospital in Sasaram, Bihar

Introduction Fire was the most important discovery for mankind. Throughout history it has saved as well as destroyed mankind. Burn injuries rank fourth among injuries suffered by humans. Burn injuries are a major cause of deaths in India with medico legal Implications. The objective of this study was to analyze the epidemiological features, risk factors and mortality of burn victims admitted in emergency department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Sasaram, Bihar. Material and Methods This is a retrospective study of the cases of thermal burn injuries brought to the emergency section of NMCH, Sasaram during the two years’ period of the years 2011 and 2012. Results Out of 95 cases of thermal burn injuries, there were 62% females. Most of the victims were 21 to 30 year old married people from rural areas. In most of the victims, the burn injury covers 26-50% of the TBSA. 35.8% victims were burned from 12 pm to 5:59 pm. Flame was the most common cause of burn injury. Only 8.4% reported in hospital within one hour. 66% of them were discharged and 16% victims died in the hospital. Conclusion Married females of productive age group belonging to rural areas are worst affected in burn injuries. Awareness campaigns targeting safety precautions, opportunities for basic health education and a change in mindset of society towards females are necessary to curb this menace of burn injuries.