Patients with burns covering greater than what percentage of TBSA should be intubated due to the risk of airway obstruction?

In cases of burns, the extent of total body surface area (TBSA) affected is crucial for determining the necessary medical interventions, particularly regarding airway management. When burns exceed 40% TBSA, there is a significantly increased risk of airway complications, such as inhalation injury, which can lead to airway obstruction.

Burns, especially those located on the face, neck, and upper torso, can cause significant swelling of the airway tissue. This edema can develop quickly after the injury occurs and may obstruct the airway, which is why proactive management, including intubation, becomes essential. By intubating patients with greater than 40% TBSA burns, healthcare providers can secure the airway and ensure that it remains patent, preventing respiratory distress and potential asphyxiation.

This protocol is based on established guidelines in trauma and burn care, prioritizing the prevention of airway compromise in severely burned patients. Therefore, recognizing the threshold of 40% TBSA for intubation is critical in managing patients effectively following significant burn injuries.