Prepare for the North Carolina EMT State Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Master your skills and gain confidence by reviewing key topics before test day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What percentage of the body's total surface area does the head represent according to the Rule of 9s for adults?

  1. 4.5%

  2. 9%

  3. 18%

  4. 27%

The correct answer is: 9%

In the context of the Rule of 9s, the head accounts for 9% of the total body surface area in adults. This method is a quick way to estimate the surface area affected by burns, which is essential for guiding treatment decisions and fluid resuscitation in burn victims. The Rule of 9s segments the body into sections, with each section representing a percentage that adds up to a total of 100%. Specifically, the head, including the face and scalp, is designated as 9%, split into 4.5% for the anterior (front) and 4.5% for the posterior (back) side. Understanding this rule is crucial for emergency responders, as quick and accurate assessments can significantly impact patient outcomes in critical situations involving burns.