The Cardiovascular
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Parkland formula for burns

Crystalloid resuscitation volume in the first 24 hours after a burn.

Parkland formula for burns
Weight
Body surface area burned
%
Complete the fields above to see the result.

When to use

  • Estimating initial crystalloid (lactated Ringer’s) resuscitation for burns involving ≥20 % TBSA in adults.

Formula

Total mL in 24 h = 4 × weight (kg) × %TBSA. Half in the first 8 hours (from time of burn), half over the next 16 hours.

Pearls and pitfalls

  • The formula is only a starting estimate — subsequent rate is titrated to urine output, not fixed.
  • Count only second-degree and deeper burns in the %TBSA; timing runs from the burn, not from arrival.

References

  1. Baxter CR, Shires T. Physiological response to crystalloid resuscitation of severe burns. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1968;150(3):874–94.