Determining the Seriousness of a Burn
British Columbia Specific Information
Burns can be serious injuries. If you have a serious burn injury, call 9-1-1 right away. For more information, or if you are not sure if you should contact a health care provider, call 8-1-1.
According to the World Health Organization, a burn is considered serious if it:
- covers more than 15% of the body surface of an adult;
- covers more than 10% of the body surface of a child;
- involves someone who is very young, elderly, in poor health, or who has a pre-existing medical condition such as diabetes;
- is a third degree burn;
- occurs on your face, hands, feet or genitals;
- encircles your leg or arm; or
- is associated with trauma.
Smoke inhalation is also a serious injury and requires medical attention right away. For more information, see the World Health Organization handout on the Management of Burns.
Current as of: March 22, 2023
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine