Clinical assessment of burn depth and area can be challenging even for experienced surgeons. Still, the assessment is fundamental for the treatment, as it determines the fluid treatment and indication for escharotomy and need for referral to a burn centre.There are few studies comparing the initial evaluation of burn depth and surface with that of a specialist burn centre. The aim of this study was to make such a comparison for a cohort of patients admitted to a specialist burn centre during one year.The cohort was defined as patients transferred to the burn unit at Haukeland university hospital during 2014.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients transferred to the burn unit at Haukeland university hospital during 2014

Exclusion Criteria:

• Readmissions
• Patients transported to Haukeland directly from the site of the accident

The cohort was defined as patients transferred to the burn unit at Haukeland university hospital during 2014.The incidence of burns in Norway is 15.5 /100 000/ year (pop.

5.2 mill), and 70-100 patients a year is treated at the national burn centre. The

Australian and New Zealand Burn Association (ANZBA) referral criteria are used:

• Burns > 10% Total Body Surface Area (TBSA)
• Burns > 5% TBSA in children
• Full Thickness burns > 5% TBSA
• Burns of Special Areas - Face, Hands, Feet, Genitalia, Perineum, Major Joints and circumferential limb or chest burns
• Burns with inhalation injury
• Electrical burns
• Chemical burns
• Burns with pre-existing illness
• Burns associated with major trauma
• Burns at the extremes of age - young children and the elderly
• Burn injury in pregnant women
• Non-accidental burns