The highest level of burn treatment, specifically focused on children

Injured and ill children cannot be treated as small adults. This is particularly true with burn injuries. Children face special medical and psychological challenges in recovering from these serious wounds. As a Level I Trauma Center, Hurley Medical Center is also the only facility in the region to provide burn care from injury to recovery for children as well as adults. Hurley’s Burn Unit is one of only six such units in the state and serves a wide region across central and northern Michigan. 

Highly specialized treatment designed specifically for children

Together with our Level 1-certified Trauma Center and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the Burn Unit at Hurley Medical Center delivers specialized, patient- and family-centered treatment for children by physicians, nurses and other medical staff who understand the unique medical and emotional needs of children. We treat all levels of burn injuries in children, from burns that are immediately life threatening to less-severe burns that may require only a brief inpatient stay or outpatient care.

The unit utilizes child-focused procedures, pain-management techniques and facilities designed with kids in mind. In addition to our highly qualified and experienced medical staff, Hurley has trained Child Life professionals who work with children during procedures (such as dressing changes and hydrotherapy) to decrease anxiety and create diversions through the use of toys, storytelling and other techniques. Recovering pediatric burn patients also have access to a fully equipped playroom on the Pediatrics floor of the medical center, equipped with toys, books and video games.

A team approach

We work collaboratively with other units of the medical center, particularly in the treatment of the most seriously injured children. For example, if a child is in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit because he/she requires a ventilator to help with breathing, our burn team also provides continuous care there.

Burn prevention as well as treatment

At Hurley, we believe burn prevention is as important as burn treatment. Our Injury Prevention experts are actively involved in taking Straight Talk into the community, a very effective program whose aim is to reduce youth fire setting (and associated injuries).