IntroductionThere are many causes of accidental death in the United States, one of the most common being burns. Burn injuries can affect the victim both internally (lungs) and externally (skin), they are so severe that many major hospitals have a burns area exclusively for the treatment of burn victims. In this research paper, we will discuss the important issues surrounding a burn victim's injuries such as etiology, epidemiology, pathophysiology, complications, and treatment. Definition Most people have felt a burn, even a mild one at least once in their lives, but do you really know what it is or how it might affect your body? A burn is a primarily thermal injury that causes skin trauma affecting the epidermis, dermis, or both layers of the skin. A burn is classified in nature based on the degree or severity of the burn, first degree being the mildest and third degree being the most severe. A burn injury can also be defined as an injury or discomfort caused by a fire, such as smoke inhalation. Smoke inhalation causes more deaths in home fire victims than actual burns. Smoke inhalation is defined as the inhalation of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide. Etiology Burn injuries can originate in many different environments and from many different causes. The most common type of burn is thermal or heat exposure burn. The extent of the burn has to do directly with the amount of time the skin was in contact with the heat and the temperature of the heat. Thermal burns are usually caused by flames, hot liquids, steam or hot objects, depending on the severity of the burn, treatments may vary. Burns can also be caused by frostbite, chemical puncture... the center of the paper... parts should be raised above the heart, a tetanus injection is given, and the wounds should be covered with cool, moist bandages to prevent development of the infection. Patients with severe burns are more susceptible to infections, so many doctors prescribe a broad-spectrum antibiotic to avoid facing further complications. (Web MD, 2009). Minor burns are usually treated with cold compression and a sterile bandage, avoid keeping the burn moist as it may take longer to heal, minor burns usually resolve on their own. Conclusion A burn injury can be a life-threatening trauma, whether smoke inhalation or the actual burn can both severely depress the respiratory system. There is no 100% guarantee that you will never be a burn victim, but being smart and knowing prevention techniques such as a smoke alarm and having an escape route are essential in using prevention..