First on the Scene: Initial Stabilization and Management of the Burn Patient
Rosalee Unwin
Saturday, June 13, 2026
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Burn injuries present unique challenges requiring specialized care from the moment of injury through transport and definitive treatment. This presentation will provide an overview of best practices for the initial management of burn injuries at the scene and during transport. We will also delineate the referral criteria for burn centers, emphasizing the importance of timely transfer to specialized facilities. This session aims to equip emergency medical personnel with essential knowledge and skills to improve the continuum of care for burn patients, from the point of injury to specialized burn center treatment. We will also discuss firefighter burn injuries and the impact on their career.
Rosalee Unwin
Rosalee Unwin serves as the Burn Center Outreach Education Coordinator at MUSC Health, where she develops and delivers burn education sessions for pre-hospital providers, hospital teams, educational institutions, and community members. In this role, she works to ensure that all audiences are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective burn management and prevention. With more than 15 years of experience in burn care, Rosalee has served as both a bedside nurse and a nurse practitioner in a burn center before transitioning into outreach and education. She is also an active member of the American Burn Association’s Burn Prevention Committee, where she contributes to national initiatives to reduce burn injuries and improve outcomes for patients.
