Table 1 Minimum criteria for transfer to a South African burn centre

• <1 year of age

• 1–2 years old with burns >5% TBSA

• All third degree burns

• >2 years of age with partial-thickness burns >10% TBSA

• Special areas (face, hands, feet, genitalia, perineum or major joints)

• Electrical burns, including lightning burns

• Chemical burns

• Inhalation injury resulting from fire or scald burns

• Circumferential burns of the limbs or chest

• Pre-existing medical disorders that could complicate management, prolong recovery or affect mortality

• Concomitant trauma

• Paediatric cases where child abuse is suspected

• Treatment requirements exceeding the capabilities of the referring centre

• Septic burn wounds