Burn assessment

Total body surface area (TBSA)

• Using the Rule of Nines, complete the burn distribution assessment for total body surface area (TBSA).
• Do not include epidermal burn, i.e. ignore simple erythema, when attending TBSA.
• Expose the whole body, ensuring you inspect and calculate anterior and posterior surfaces.
• A calculator for TBSA is available in the NSW trauma app.

Rule of Nines

• The Rule of Nines allows the extent of the burn to be estimated with reproducible accuracy.
• The TBSA is divided into areas of 9% or multiples of 9%.
• The perineum is estimated at 1%.
• Small burns may be estimated by using the palmar surface, fingers and palm of the patient's hand, which is approximately 1% of the body surface area.
• When calculating the TBSA, ignore simple erythema.

Paediatric less than nine years

• For every year of life, take 1% from the head and add 0.5% to each leg.
• Use the patient's hand, fingers and palm to estimate smaller burns.
• Shade affected areas and calculate the TBSA %.

Burn depth

• Use the following table to assess the depth of the burn.
• Burn may deepen over time.
• Take photos with consent before and after cleaning.