How it's calculated
Total 24-hour crystalloid fluid requirement (mL) = 4 mL × weight (kg) × %TBSA burned. Half of this total is given in the first 8 hours from the time of the burn (not from arrival), and the remaining half over the following 16 hours.
How the volume is split
| Period | Volume |
|---|---|
| First 8 hours (from time of burn) | 50% of total |
| Next 16 hours | 50% of total |
Clinical use
- Only include partial-thickness (second-degree) and full-thickness (third-degree) burns in the %TBSA calculation — superficial (first-degree) burns are excluded.
- The 8-hour clock starts at the time of the burn injury, not from hospital arrival — if there has been a delay, the fluid due for the elapsed time should be given more quickly to catch up within the original 8-hour window.
- This is a starting estimate only — actual fluid administration should be titrated to urine output (typically targeting 0.5 mL/kg/hr in adults, higher in children), not simply infused at the calculated rate regardless of response.
- Modified formulas (e.g. Modified Brooke, using 2 mL/kg/%TBSA) are used in some centres — confirm which formula your burns unit/protocol uses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Parkland Formula used for?
It estimates the total crystalloid fluid volume needed in the first 24 hours after a significant burn injury, split between the first 8 hours and the following 16 hours, as a starting point for resuscitation.
Why does the 8-hour clock start from the time of the burn, not arrival at hospital?
Fluid losses begin at the moment of injury, so the resuscitation timeline is anchored to the burn itself — if there's been a delay before treatment starts, the fluid due for that missed time should be given more quickly to stay on the original 8-hour schedule.
Does the Parkland Formula account for superficial burns?
No — only partial-thickness and full-thickness burns should be included in the %TBSA estimate; superficial (first-degree, sunburn-like) burns are excluded from the calculation.
How do I know if the fluid rate needs adjusting?
The calculated volume is a starting estimate — actual administration should be titrated against urine output (commonly targeting around 0.5 mL/kg/hr in adults) and other clinical signs of adequate perfusion, not given as a fixed rate regardless of the patient's response.
References
- Baxter CR, Shires T. Physiological response to crystalloid resuscitation of severe burns. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1968;150:874-894.
- American Burn Association. Advanced Burn Life Support (ABLS) Course Manual.
- ISBI Practice Guidelines Committee. ISBI Practice Guidelines for Burn Care. Burns. 2016;42:953-1021.