Military Burn Research Program, Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

Vision - Deliver the best burn trauma care to improve health and performance outcomes in support of the warfighter

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The Military Burn Research Program (MBRP) was initiated in 2011 to address capability gaps for treating combat burn injuries. These gaps were identified by the Combat Casualty Care Research Program (CCCRP), and they're focused on injuries obtained from the point of injury to treatment at the stateside Military Burn Centers.

Combat burn injuries are devastating and are often more severe than burns obtained in the civilian setting. This is due to the high incidence of additional traumatic injuries that occur along with the burn. The majority of combat burns result from explosive device detonation, leading to a greater Injury Severity Score, an increase in inhalation injuries, and a larger full-thickness burn size.¹ Due to the polytrauma nature of the injuries received in theater, Service members are being treated for multiple wounds. Hence, in addition to burns, they may also suffer from fractures, amputations, smoke inhalation, and head injuries at the same time. This traumatic assault adds additional burden to the body's innate immune response and, thus, increases the likelihood of infections and organ damage.

MBRP-funded projects explore innovative approaches to accelerate the translation of advances in knowledge into new standards of care for the treatment of injured Service members and those within the general public at large who sustain burn injuries. The funded research is expected to beneficially have an impact on both the civilian and military communities.

¹Kauver DS, Cancio LC, Wolf SE, et al. 2006. Comparison of combat and non-combat burns from ongoing US military operations. J Surg Res 132:195-200.

Congressional Appropriations