CHICAGO [Jan. 10, 2025] — As wildfires rage across California, the American Burn Association (ABA) is prepared to assist burn centers and healthcare providers in responding to burn injuries resulting from these devastating events. The ABA continues to mobilize resources and expertise to support communities and healthcare systems facing these challenges.
The ABA’s comprehensive disaster preparedness infrastructure includes supporting the work of the Nevada Hospital Association on the Burn Status Watchboard, a critical tool that tracks burn bed availability in real-time, enabling swift patient transfers and efficient resource allocation. While the situation remains fluid, the ABA is proactively working with its members, Regional Burn Disaster Coordinators, and leadership to remain prepared for the possibility of more widespread incidents.
"Disasters like wildfires demand rapid, coordinated responses to provide lifesaving care to those affected," says the President of the American Burn Association, Sharmila Dissanaike, MD, FACS. "The ABA’s role is to ensure our members and burn centers have the resources, data, and connections they need to respond effectively and compassionately when disaster strikes."
Preparedness for Potential Catastrophic Events
As the California wildfires continue to evolve, the ABA is actively engaging in discussions with leadership and members to ensure readiness for a worst-case scenario. This includes monitoring for situations where entire neighborhoods could be impacted, resulting in surges of burn patients. The ABA’s Disaster Committee is working closely with Regional Burn Disaster Coordinators to assess needs and provide timely support if such an incident occurs.
"The key to disaster response is preparation," added Dr. Dissanaike. "Through ongoing collaboration with our members, leadership, and partners, the ABA remains ready to respond, no matter the scale of the event."
Accessing Burn Care and Disaster Preparedness Resources
The ABA offers a variety of resources on its website to support healthcare providers, first responders, and the public. These include guidelines on burn prevention, wildfire safety, and burn injury treatment, as well as tools to help hospitals and burn centers prepare for disaster scenarios.
"The ABA’s ability to support its members during crises reflects the strength of our burn care community," said Paul Pomerantz, Interim CEO of the American Burn Association. "Our focus is on preventing burn injuries through education and outreach, but when disasters strike, we stand ready to respond immediately and effectively."
The ABA encourages first responders and healthcare providers to enhance readiness by completing the Advanced Burn Life Support® (ABLS) Now course. This on-demand program provides essential skills for the immediate care of burn patients, focusing on life-saving techniques during the critical first 24 hours post-injury. Captions are also available in Spanish. Go to ameriburn.org/ABLS.
Additional resources are available at ameriburn.org under the Disaster Preparedness, Burn Prevention, and Guidelines for Burn Patient Referral sections. The tools are accessible and regularly updated to reflect the latest best practices and recommendations.
Editor’s Note
For more information about ABA, or to request an interview with Sharmila Dissanaike, MD, FACS or Paul Pomerantz, contact Susan Urbanczyk at urbanczyk@ameriburn.org.
For more information about ABA, or to request an interview with Sharmila Dissanaike, MD, FACS or Paul Pomerantz, contact Susan Urbanczyk at urbanczyk@ameriburn.org.
About the American Burn Association
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals, burn care organizations, and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit www.ameriburn.org.
The American Burn Association (ABA) is dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by burn injuries through advocacy, education, research, and prevention. Founded in 1967, the ABA supports burn care professionals, burn care organizations, and works to advance the quality of burn care worldwide. For more information, visit www.ameriburn.org.
