Ms Rebecca Schrale¹, Ms  Fiona Orr¹

¹Tasmanian Burns Unit Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Australia

Abstract:

The Tasmanian Burns Unit has seen a steady rise in referrals for friction burns over the last 5 years, with a significant increase in 2021. Has this increase been a direct result of the multiple mountain biking trails that have been developed over the last five years in Tasmania? We hope this study, through collaboration with the Tasmanian Trauma Unit will help guide referral, prevention and education initiatives in Tasmania.

Method:

Retrospect review of the digital medical record and local data from the Burns Registry of Australia and New Zealand (BRANZ) for inpatient and outpatient presentations and consults to the Burns and Plastics Unit at the Royal Hobart Hospital (RHH) 2017-2021.

The following data points were collected: age, sex, burn size, first aid, mechanism, surgical intervention, inpatient versus outpatient.

Results:

The Burns unit has seen a fourfold increase in referrals and presentations for friction burns in 2021. 11% of all transport related friction burns were a result of a mountain bike injury in 2021, the first time we have seen presentations from this group. Friction burns from treadmills and pushbikes have also increased over this period. 91% of patients did not receiving adequate first aid in 2021.

Discussion:

This paper will discuss the aetiology of friction burns referred to the Tasmanian Burns Unit. Areas of further research and collaboration include an extension of the study state-wide to capture minor injuries seen in key areas such as the west, east coast and north of Tasmania where some of the most popular trails are located.

With the introduction by the Hobart City Council of e-scooters we will include these in our review for 2022.

Biography:

Rebecca Schrale is the Burns Nurse Practitioner at the Tasmanian Burns Unit, Royal Hobart Hospital. Member of ANZBA prevention, education and nursing committee and steering committee BRANZ