Indications for Burn Escharotomy Eschar compressing or potentially compressing tissue in or surrounding burn area Compressed tissue is identified by any of the following: Absent distal arterial flow as determined with a Doppler ultrasonic flow meter in the absence of systemic hypotension An oxygen saturation below 95% in the distal end of the extremity as shown by pulse oximetry in the absence of systemic hypoxia Measurement of compartment pressure > 30 mm Hg Impending or established respiratory compromise due to circumferential torso or neck burns Physicians should have a high index of suspicion and a low threshold for doing escharotomy.