The
Rule of Nines also is used in first aid to calculate the extent of burns.
Most parts of a human body consists of nine percent of the outer surface area.
- Head: 9% (4.5% front, 4.5% back)
- Chest to the lower rib cage: 9%
- Abdomen, from rib cage to groin area: 9%
- Back, from neck to bottom of rib cage: 9%
- Lower back, from bottom of rib cage to below buttocks: 9%
- Front of left leg: 9%
- Front of right leg: 9%
- Back of left leg: 9%
- Back of right leg: 9%
- Left arm: 9% (front: 4.5%, back: 4.5%)
- Right arm: 9% (front: 4.5%, back: 4.5%)
- Groin: 1%
When assessing the victim, count up each area with a burn. Figure out the percentage, then you can go to HOWTO: Treat thermal burns in the backcountry to figure out what to do.