Calculate fluid resuscitation requirements for burn patients using the Parkland formula. Enter body weight and burn percentage (TBSA) to determine crystalloid volume and infusion rates for the first 24 hours.
Total body surface area burned
Total 24hr Volume
5600 mL
First 8 Hours
2800 mL
Next 16 Hours
2800 mL
First 8hr Rate
350 mL/hr
Next 16hr Rate
175 mL/hr
The first 8 hours are calculated from the time of burn injury, not from the time of hospital arrival. Titrate to urine output of 0.5–1 mL/kg/hr in adults.
Hourly Rate Comparison
The rate decreases by 50% in the second phase
Phase 1: Hours 0-8
350
mL/hr
Equivalent to
5.8 mL/min
Phase 2: Hours 8-24
175
mL/hr
Equivalent to
2.9 mL/min
| Hour | Phase | Rate (mL/hr) | Cumulative (mL) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-1 | Phase 1 | 350 | 350 |
| 1-2 | Phase 1 | 350 | 700 |
| 2-3 | Phase 1 | 350 | 1050 |
| 3-4 | Phase 1 | 350 | 1400 |
| 4-5 | Phase 1 | 350 | 1750 |
| 5-6 | Phase 1 | 350 | 2100 |
| 6-7 | Phase 1 | 350 | 2450 |
| 7-8 | Phase 1 | 350 | 2800 |
| 8-9 | Phase 2 | 175 | 2975 |
| 9-10 | Phase 2 | 175 | 3150 |
| 10-11 | Phase 2 | 175 | 3325 |
| 11-12 | Phase 2 | 175 | 3500 |
| 12-13 | Phase 2 | 175 | 3675 |
| 13-14 | Phase 2 | 175 | 3850 |
| 14-15 | Phase 2 | 175 | 4025 |
| 15-16 | Phase 2 | 175 | 4200 |
| 16-17 | Phase 2 | 175 | 4375 |
| 17-18 | Phase 2 | 175 | 4550 |
| 18-19 | Phase 2 | 175 | 4725 |
| 19-20 | Phase 2 | 175 | 4900 |
| 20-21 | Phase 2 | 175 | 5075 |
| 21-22 | Phase 2 | 175 | 5250 |
| 22-23 | Phase 2 | 175 | 5425 |
| 23-24 | Phase 2 | 175 | 5600 |
Major burns require aggressive fluid resuscitation and burn center care.
Clinical Considerations
Urine Output Target
35-70 mL/hr
Target 0.5-1.0 mL/kg/hr for a 70 kg patient. Titrate fluids to maintain this output.
Approximate 1L IV Bags Needed
3 bags (0-8h)
3 bags (8-24h)
6
total bags
Burn injuries cause massive fluid shifts from the intravascular space into the interstitial tissues, leading to hypovolemia and shock. The Parkland formula, developed by Dr. Charles Baxter at Parkland Memorial Hospital, provides a standardized approach to replace these fluid losses. Adequate resuscitation is critical to maintaining organ perfusion while avoiding complications of over-resuscitation such as compartment syndrome and pulmonary edema.
The Parkland formula calculates the amount of crystalloid (typically Lactated Ringer's) needed for fluid resuscitation in burn patients during the first 24 hours. The formula is: Total Volume = 4 mL × body weight (kg) × %TBSA burned. Half is given in the first 8 hours and the remaining half over the next 16 hours.
TBSA stands for Total Body Surface Area. The %TBSA burned represents the percentage of the patient's skin affected by second-degree (partial thickness) and third-degree (full thickness) burns. First-degree burns (superficial) are not included. The Rule of Nines is commonly used to estimate %TBSA.
The Parkland formula provides a starting estimate. The actual infusion rate should be titrated based on urine output: target 0.5–1 mL/kg/hr in adults and 1–2 mL/kg/hr in children. Monitor vital signs, mental status, and lab values to guide adjustments throughout resuscitation.
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Body Surface Area Calculator
Calculate body surface area (BSA) using both the Mosteller and Du Bois formulas. Supports metric and imperial units for height and weight inputs.