Burn casualties with injuries above what percentage of TBSA are at high risk of hypothermia?

The correct answer is 20% TBSA (Total Body Surface Area), as burn casualties with injuries at or above this percentage are significantly at high risk of hypothermia. When a patient experiences burns that cover a substantial portion of their body, they lose not only skin integrity but also the body's ability to regulate temperature effectively.

The skin acts as a barrier to environmental elements, including temperature changes, and when this barrier is compromised, it leads to increased heat loss. At around 20% TBSA burns, this loss of temperature regulation becomes critical, making it essential for medical personnel to monitor for hypothermia closely.

The risk of hypothermia grows as the percentage of TBSA burned increases, which is why careful assessment is crucial in these cases. Understanding this threshold helps in triaging patients effectively and implementing the necessary interventions to manage body temperature during treatment.