Patients with major burns require specialist care in burn centres, taking into account the complex systemic response to a burn injury, avoidance of complications, specialist wound care and supportive multidisciplinary management. Occasionally, these patients may be managed in other settings, such as emergency departments or general intensive care units and ward areas, for example after an explosion or major disaster. Therefore, general nurses require an understanding of patients’ complex needs, and should be aware of the latest developments in burn care and up-to-date evidence to ensure best practice.