{Equations}

Burns: Estimated Body Surface Area

Rule of Nines (Adult pt) (Open Calc) (View image)
Rule of Nines (Pediatric pt) (Open Calc)
Rule of Palms

Rule of Nines (Adult pt) (Open Calc) (View image)

• Each area is 9% BSA:
  • Entire head and neck
  • Each arm including hand
  • Chest
  • Abdomen
  • Upper back
  • Lower back
  • Each front of leg
  • Each back of leg
• Genital region: 1%

Rule of Nines (Infant) (Open Calc)

• In children, head is larger % BSA (varies with age)
• Each area is 9 % BSA:
  • Anterior head and neck
  • Posterior head and neck
  • Each arm including hand
  • Chest
  • Abdomen
  • Upper back
  • Lower back
• Each leg: 13.5 %
  • Not broken up into front/ back
• Genital region: 1 %

Rule of palms

• Pt's palm is about 1% BSA
• Use to estimate scatter burns
• Also use for local burns up to 10 % BSA

References

1. Wallace AB. The exposure treatment of burns. Lancet 260 (1951):501.
2. Bledsoe BE, Porter RS, Cherry RA. Paramedic care: principles & practice. 2001.