The first-aid treatment for an acid attack victim

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Sorry for the delay in answering your question Shabbir.

What is the first-aid treatment for an acid attack victim?

Acid or Chemical Burns First Aid

1.The first thing that we must do is protect ourselves by wearing gloves, goggles, a surgical mask to protect our airway from any acid fumes, and if you have one, put an apron on to stop any residual transferal through clothing.

2. Remove the chemical by removing the affected clothing and be sure to remove all jewelry as liquids can be trapped under rings and watches. If it is a dry chemical brush it off using your gloves or anything else you can find.

3.Immediately rinse the burn under cool running water for 20 minutes. If this is not available you will have to improvise with any available water source. It is imperative to dilute the corrosive substance and to cool down the burn preventing it from worsening.

Do not use a high pressure water source as this can cause more damage to the burn area.

4. If there is any eye irritation flush with a gentle steam of clean water for 20 minutes

5. Put a loose bandage over the burn. You may dampen the bandage with water to help cool the burn.

What Chemical Is That?

It is always good to know what chemical is causing the burn as not all chemicals are water soluble. But this is generally not possible.

• Carbolic acid will not mix with water so you may need to use alcohol first and then flush with water.
• Sulfuric acid should be flushed with soap and water solution as water makes Sulfuric acid feel hotter on the skin.
• Hydrofluoric acid is best flushed with water and baking soda solution and then flushed with water.

DO NOT BE CONCERNED IF YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT THE CHEMICAL IS – FLUSH WITH AS MUSH WATER AS POSSIBLE AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.

When You Absolutely, Positively Have To Get Emergency Help

• If the person is showing signs of shock such as shallow, rapid breathing, rapid pulse, very pale complexion, nausea, vomiting or fainting
• The burn is larger than a 20 cent coin and has burnt through the first layer of skin.
• The burn involves the eyes, face, feet, hands, buttocks or groin.

Burns and Scalds

Note

• If the burn looks deep
• If the burn looks charred and whitish
• If the burn involves the hands, face or genitals
• If the burn is larger than a 20 cent coin

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Do Not

• Do not apply any lotions, creams or ointments
• Do not touch the burnt area or try to remove anything stuck in the burn

1st degree burn 2nd degree 3rd degree burn

Hope this helps

Dave Ashton

First Aid