(Rev Med Chile 2013; 141: 181-186).

Effects of standarization of burn patient treatment on mortalityBackground: In 2006, the burn unit of an emergency public hospital in Chile standardized its medical and surgical treatment protocols. Aim: To analyze the evolution of mortality among patients admitted to the unit after the standardization process. Material and Methods: Patients admitted to the unit between March 2005 and March 2006, were analyzed. An early surgical debridement was performed, according to the guidelines, after a standardized reanimation with Lactate Ringer using Parkland formula (4 ml/kg/% burn surface area). All patients were monitored. An algorithm was used to decide the indication of vasoactive drugs or invasive monitorization. Results: Eighty eight patients aged 43 ± 19 years (65% males) were admitted. The estimated percentage body burned was 30 ± 21%, deep in 12.5 ± 17%. A mean of 9.122 ± 6.930 ml of fluid were administered in the first 24 hours. The first surgical debridement was performed at 48 hours (range 1 to 15 days). The first escharotomy was performed at 4.2 days (range 3 hours -15 days), the first covering at 3.8 days (range 3 hours-19 days) the first auto graft at 18 days (range 4-26 days). Operative times in the first three surgical procedures were less than 87 min. Global mortality was 37%. Conclusions: The standardized treatment of burns resulted in an absolute reduction of mortality.

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Technical writing as a profession is not new. The Technical Communication Association of Australia (TCAA) was active through the 1960's to 1970's. It was made up of members who belonged to Australian electronic companies such as AWA, STC and Phillips, and pockets of government (mostly defence work). According to Brockmann (1986), there were TCAA strongholds in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney.