Assessing the extent of the burn
One quick way to estimate the surface area that has been burned is to compare it to the size of the palm of the casualty’s hand, which is roughly equal to 1% of the body’s total surface area.
For other groups, you must send them to hospital if:
- The burns affect the hands, feet, face and genital areas
- Full thickness burns
- Burns that extend around a limb
- All partial thickness burns larger than 1% of the body’s surface. The casualty’s hand represents about 1% on the body’s surface
- All superficial burns that represent 5% of the body’s surface
- Burns with a mixed pattern of depth
If you are in any doubt, then you should seek medical advice.