Burn Casualties in Combat: A Need for Protective Garments

Comparison of Combat and Non-Combat Burns From Ongoing U.S. Military Operations

“…The high incidence, great morbidity, and potential preventability of burns to the hands and face in military situations have been identified, and the wider and more consistent use of protective garments has been advocated [13,14]. The protective potential of burn-protective equipment in military trauma has been well documented.…”

Physiological comfort and flame retardancy of fabrics with electrostatic self-assembled coatings

“…It is shown that exposure to a radiant heat flux of 4 kW/m 2 , which is quite common in room corner and small-scale fires, causes second-degree burns to bare skin in 30 s [1,2]. However, most serious burns are often related to ignition of clothing than if no clothing had been worn, particularly when the initial fire is small or of short duration [3]. Also, ignition of the clothing results in a higher total body surface area burn, which increases third degree burns.…”

Incidence and Severity of Combat Hand Burns After All Army Activity Message

“…5,10 -12 As a result of the high incidence of hand burns and the tremendous morbidity associated with them, efforts to reduce the severity and potentially prevent burns to the hands have been described. 5,13,14 The use of protective garments and specialized clothing to reduce the incidence and severity of burns has been documented. 9,[13][14][15] A broad and consistent use of protective garments has been advocated.…”

“…5,13,14 The use of protective garments and specialized clothing to reduce the incidence and severity of burns has been documented. 9,[13][14][15] A broad and consistent use of protective garments has been advocated. 5,9 The use of fire- retardant suits by pilots and armored vehicle crewman has reduced the incidence and severity of burns associated with combat operations.…”