What percentage of body surface area does each leg represent for an adult or adolescent?

Each leg of an adult or adolescent represents 18% of the total body surface area according to the Rule of Nines, a commonly used method in emergency medicine to estimate the extent of burns. This approach divides the body into sections, each assigned a percentage that represents its contribution to the total body surface area.

By understanding this percentage, EMTs and healthcare professionals can more accurately assess the severity of injuries, particularly burns. This information is crucial when determining treatment protocols and fluid resuscitation needs for patients with extensive burns, as it helps to guide clinical decisions. Knowledge of body surface area percentages is essential for effective management of burn cases, making it a critical component of EMT training and protocol adherence.