Development of the national injury resource database (NIRD)

Lack of an accurate, publicly available database of burn/trauma resources creates challenges in providing burn care. In response to this gap, our group developed the National Injury Resource Database (NIRD), a comprehensive database of all US burn centers (BC) and trauma centers (TC) and their capabilities. Lists of all national BC and TC were obtained from the American Burn Association (ABA), the American College of Surgeons, and every state department of health. Data was cross-checked and included BC/TC were linked with a 7-digit identification number using the American Hospital Association Quick Search guide. Each center’s resources and verification status were validated with electronic or telephonic communications. The final database includes 135 BC and 617 TC, of which 18 are BC-only, 500 are TC-only, and 117 are combined BC/TC. ABA-verified BC (n = 76) are only found in Washington DC and 31 states, and 8 states have no BC. In the last 10 years, a net increase of 7 burn centers was found nationally. The ABA’s online BC directory is outdated. NIRD represents the only up-to-date, comprehensive listing of BC and TC in existence. It categorizes all currently operating BC and TC across myriad classifications of designation and capabilities. •National Injury Resource Database (NIRD) is a comprehensive listing of all US burn & trauma centers.•NIRD lists burn and trauma center resources, designations, & verifications.•The 76 ABA-verified burn centers are clustered in 31 states & DC.•Eight states have no burn centers, verified or unverified.