What fluid is used in Parkland?

Lactated Ringer’s (or equivalent isotonic crystalloid) is the classic choice; follow local protocol.

Burns TBSA & Parkland Formula

Surgery & Trauma Emergency Medicine Critical Care

Medical context

Estimate percent TBSA with Rule of Nines and calculate Parkland crystalloid resuscitation volumes.

Surgical and trauma teams use this for operative planning, resuscitation, and perioperative risk framing.

This page explains the Burns / Parkland formula, how to interpret the output, known limitations, and peer-reviewed references so you can verify results against primary sources and local protocols.

It is grouped under Surgery & Trauma because burn resuscitation, surgical risk, and fluids.

How to use this calculator

Enter the values requested by the Burns / Parkland calculator using the units shown beside each field.
Review the calculated result and read the interpretation section before acting on the output.
Check limitations and references if the result will change management, dosing, or disposition.
Use the related calculators section when you need supporting values (for example electrolytes, weight, or complementary risk scores).

Calculator

Age group (Rule of Nines)

Weight (kg)

Burned area by region (% of body)

Head / neck (max 9%)Left arm (max 9%)Right arm (max 9%)Anterior trunk (max 18%)Posterior trunk (max 18%)Left leg (max 18%)Right leg (max 18%)Genitalia / perineum (max 1%)

Result

0% TBSA

Parkland 24h: 0 mL crystalloid

First 8 hours from burn: 0 mL
Next 16 hours: 0 mL
Titrate to urine output; formula is a starting guide.

Educational use only. Confirm results with clinical judgment, primary sources, and local protocols. Not a substitute for professional medical advice. Full disclaimer.

Formula

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

Interpretation

Use as an initial guide and titrate to urine output and perfusion. Major burns need burn-center pathways.

Limitations

Rule of Nines is less accurate in infants; Lund-Browder is preferred for pediatrics. Do not include superficial (first-degree) burns in Parkland %TBSA.

Frequently asked questions

What fluid is used in Parkland?: Lactated Ringer’s (or equivalent isotonic crystalloid) is the classic choice; follow local protocol.
Is the Burns / Parkland result enough to make a treatment decision?: No. Calculators support medical decision-making but do not replace examination, shared decision-making, institutional protocols, or consultant input when stakes are high.
Does Calcmedical store the values I type in?: Inputs are processed in your browser for this session. We do not ask for patient names or medical record numbers. See our privacy policy for hosting and analytics details.

References

Baxter CR. Parkland formula (historical)
ABA burn shock resuscitation guidance