Which population is at higher risk of severe outcomes from large burn areas?

The elderly population is at a higher risk of severe outcomes from large burn areas due to several factors. As people age, their skin tends to become thinner and less resilient, making it more susceptible to damage from burns. Additionally, older adults often have pre-existing medical conditions and a weakened immune system, which can complicate recovery and increase the risk of infections following a burn injury. Their physiological responses to trauma can also be diminished compared to younger individuals, impacting healing time and overall recovery.

Healthy adults and children, while they can sustain serious injuries from burns, generally have more robust healing capabilities. Children might experience significant consequences from burns, particularly when it involves their growth and development, but their overall resilience is usually greater than that of elderly individuals. The assertion that all populations face equal risk does not take into account the substantial differences in health status and physiological resilience among different age groups, which is why the elderly are specifically identified as being at higher risk.