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Parkland Formula for Burn Resuscitation

Parkland: 24-hour crystalloid (Ringer's lactate) = 4 mL × weight (kg) × %TBSA burned (partial + full thickness). Give half in the first 8 hours from the time of burn and the rest over the next 16 hours, titrated to urine output.

  • Weight (kg or lb)
  • %TBSA burned (partial + full thickness) (%)
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Formula

Total 24 h = 4 mL × kg × %TBSA; ½ in first 8 h from injury, ½ over next 16 h.

Clinical pearls

  • Count only partial- and full-thickness burns (not superficial/erythema); formal resuscitation is generally used for ≥20% TBSA in adults (≥10–15% in children).
  • Time starts at the burn, not at ED arrival: subtract fluid already given and shorten the first-8-h window accordingly.
  • The formula is a starting point; titrate hourly to urine output (0.5 mL/kg/h adults, 1 mL/kg/h children <30 kg). Current ABA guidance favours starting at 2 mL/kg/%TBSA in adults to avoid "fluid creep". Children also need maintenance fluid with dextrose.

Examples

parkland 70 kg 40% tbsaburn fluids for a 154 lb man with 25 percent second and third degree burns

FAQ

When does the 8-hour clock start in the Parkland formula?

From the time of the burn, not from hospital arrival.

Is the Parkland formula still used?

Yes as a starting estimate, but many burn centres now start at 2–4 mL/kg/%TBSA and titrate to urine output to avoid over-resuscitation.

Evidence

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

Emergency & Trauma · Reviewed 2026-10-14 · Methodology