Midwest Burn Plan Being Developed
A Surge Beyond Imagination
Imagine a sudden catastrophe, a fire, or an explosion, overwhelming our healthcare systems with burn victims. Could we manage it? This sobering reality has pushed burn centers across the Midwest to grapple with one crucial question: Are we prepared?
In a world increasingly marked by uncertainty, the capacity of burn centers to manage an overwhelming influx of patients has been a growing concern. Issues like limited staffing, higher patient acuity, and shrinking specialty bed availability demand that healthcare systems regularly assess their readiness for mass casualty incidents (MCI).
The truth is stark: no single state can manage a significant influx of burn victims alone. As such, supporting non-burn facilities with expert telehealth and other resources is essential to manage a surge of burn patients effectively.
A Pioneering Step Forward
In response to this challenge, the first-ever Midwest Region Burn Disaster Plan was developed earlier this year. The vision is clear: to create a comprehensive, practical, and dynamic document that accurately represents our region’s response capabilities. Through continuous exercises and collaboration, we aim to build a resilient geographical region ready to respond effectively.
The Midwest Burn Region is one of six American Burn Association-designated burn regions (including Canada) and comprises nine central U.S. states: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. This significant effort to create the plan and exercise it was supported by the Region VII Disaster Health Response Ecosystem (R7DHRE), which facilitated to bridge the gap between concept and action. The result? A robust preparedness plan and exercise aimed at improving survival rates and outcomes for those impacted by burn injuries in our region.
Learning from the Past, Planning for the Future
Developing this plan involved a comprehensive review of existing literature, state, and regional burn disaster plans. Insights from historical disaster preparedness efforts and real-life experiences were drawn upon from other regions. While the Midwest Burn Region has been fortunate to avoid large-scale disasters since the 1990s, we recognize that others have not been as lucky. Other burn regions across the nation have experienced the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the Boston Marathon bombing, hurricanes, deadly wildfires including the catastrophic Lahaina disaster to name a few.
Building the Plan, Building Relationships
The initial groundwork for the Midwest Region Burn Plan, along with future disaster preparedness strategies, was presented at the American Burn Association Annual Meeting in Chicago in May 2024. During this event, a steering committee, made up of a multidisciplinary group representing the ABA Midwest Burn Region, was established to collaborate and build upon existing partner relationships, as well as to provide input and review of the region burn plan.
The first draft of the Midwest Region Burn Plan was circulated among regional partners for feedback and edits, ensuring a broad range of perspectives. Notably, a dedicated pediatric considerations section was included, with valuable input from pediatric burn experts.
Putting the Plan to the Test
On August 14th, 2024, the plan underwent its first trial by fire—a tabletop exercise that focused on communication and coordination while highlighting the role of our region’s coordinating center. The feedback of 63 exercise participants was overwhelmingly positive, with valuable insights for further education, particularly for EMS and non-burn facilities. The after-action report from this exercise will be presented at the Midwest Burn Region meeting in Lincoln, NE, in October 2024, where successes will be highlighted, and gaps will be defined. A second tabletop exercise to evaluate the updated plan is already planned for early 2025.
Towards a Safer Future
As we continue to strengthen relationships, clarify roles, and enhance regional capabilities, we are preparing ourselves to meet any challenge head-on. Our commitment to building a robust disaster response network is not just about protocols and plans; it is about saving lives. With each step forward, we become better equipped to answer the call when it comes, ensuring that those affected by burn injuries receive the care they need, when they need it most.
