Severe burns and critical wounds represent some of the most complex conditions managed in the intensive care unit due to profound physiological stress, fluid shifts, infection risk, and multi-organ dysfunction. Patients with extensive burns or deep tissue injury require specialized ICU care to manage shock, respiratory compromise, metabolic derangements, and wound-related complications.

Burn injuries disrupt the skin’s protective barrier, leading to massive fluid loss, hypothermia, and high susceptibility to infection. Inhalation injury may cause respiratory failure, necessitating mechanical ventilation. The inflammatory response to severe burns can lead to circulatory collapse and organ failure, making ICU admission essential.

ICU management emphasizes aggressive fluid resuscitation, airway protection, pain control, and meticulous wound care. Continuous monitoring allows early detection of complications such as sepsis, acute kidney injury, and respiratory failure. Nutritional support is critical due to the extreme metabolic demands associated with burn healing.

Burn patients often require repeated surgical interventions, prolonged ventilation, and extended ICU stays. Early ICU involvement significantly improves survival and long-term functional outcomes.