Since the beginning of the new century, significant progress in the treatment of burns has been evident at all levels, both in surgery and in all accompanying disciplines. Burn surgery has become less aggressive and invasive, achieving equal or better results, while becoming increasingly complex, extensive, and has now become a distinct entity within surgical specializations.

At the same time, the standards of Burn Care Centres are precisely defined and very binding. Innovations in burn surgery, such as various new active dressings, two-layered and three-layered cultured skin, dermal and epidermal semi-synthetic grafts, numerous new products for the protection of burn wounds, hydronephrectomy, selective proteolytic necrosectomy, and other innovative procedures, methods, and materials used by allied professions have resulted in new terminology, new guidelines, and clinical pathways, creating new experiences, better survival rates, and more options for the treatment of patients with burns, particularly those that are extensive and life-threatening.

In all countries of the European Union, as well as in many developed countries around the world, there are national burn societies. The European Burns Association (EBA) is the overarching European organization that deals with all aspects of burns and their consequences for the affected: prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Its members include professionals, doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, firefighters, and all those who work within the field of burn injuries.

The Croatian Burns Society of the Croatian Medical Association was founded for the benefit of the public, to study the issues of burn injuries, their prevention, and all aspects of the treatment and rehabilitation of patients suffering from burns.

The objectives of the professional society are aligned with the objectives of the European Burns Association (EBA):

a. Spreading knowledge and encouraging prevention in the field of burn injuries

b. Encouraging and coordinating research in the scientific, clinical, and social aspects of burn injuries

c. Promoting education in all aspects of burns, including first aid, care, and rehabilitation

d. Collaborating in international disaster planning

e. Facilitating the exchange of medical staff between burn departments and burn centres

f. Coordinating and promoting congresses related to burn care

g. Developing guidelines and recommendations for the treatment of burns and the necessary equipment for burn departments and burn centres.

The tasks of the professional society are:

a) continuous professional and scientific development of its members through participation in and organisation of professional and scientific meetings, congresses, seminars, lectures, and courses, as well as all forms of ongoing medical education,

b) collaboration with professional scientific and educational organisations,

c) representing the profession in the bodies of the Croatian Medical Association (HLZ),

d) collaboration with societies and sections of the HLZ in areas of common interest,

e) proposing measures to improve and enhance the organisation of work in the professional and scientific activities in their field,

f) collaborating with related professional and scientific societies of other countries,

g) representing the national interests of their profession in relevant international societies,

h) promoting the health culture of the population,

i) nurturing and developing the principles of connection and medical ethics among its members,

j) monitoring and supervising the implementation of health care measures for patients,

k) providing expert opinions and expertise,

l) proposing scientific projects.

The work program of the society:

a) Education for children and parents: about the dangers of burns, first aid, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention through appearances in the media, on social networks, lectures in kindergartens and schools, to enhance their knowledge and skills and to inform them in an appropriate and understandable way about the latest research and achievements in the mentioned area.

b) Scientific research: by involving doctors in research projects related to burns, which includes encouraging and organising the presentation of research papers at conferences and symposia, and providing support to doctors-researchers in their work.

c) Exchange of knowledge and experiences: The society will encourage collaboration and the exchange of knowledge between doctors and scientists in the field of burns, both within Croatia and with international organisations and associations. It will also organise meetings, workshops, and projects that enable the sharing of experiences and establishing cooperation.

d) Raising awareness about the importance of burn prevention: direct public engagement in education, organising public events, lectures, and campaigns aimed at informing the public and raising awareness about the dangers of burns.

e) Actively involving new members: particularly young doctors. Additionally, the objective is to promote mentorship and collaboration between experienced burn doctors and younger doctors to ensure continuous support in everyday work and the transfer of acquired knowledge.

f) Career guidance: supporting doctors who deal with burn issues in the development of their careers in that area of surgical practice, such as organising mentoring programmes, consultations, and workshops on career development, as well as providing information about opportunities for further specialization in plastic surgery.