Treatment of burned patients begins at the scene of the accident, continues in the emergency department, and terminates in the burn center. The "burn team" of specialists includes the paramedic at the scene of the accident, the physician and nurses in the emergency room, and the burn center staff. Since the early stages of treatment often predetermine the final outcome, every physician or nurse who may someday be involved with the initial assessment and management of a severely burned patient should review a plan of evaluation and treatment. Thus, patient salvage from devastating burn injuries will continue to improve.