St John Ambulance offers acid attack first aid advice

St John Ambulance

Following the significant increase of acid attack related crimes, St John Ambulance has seen an increase in enquiries for advice from members of the public, should they be affected by a chemical burn.

A St John Ambulance spokesperson said: “Our first aid trainers have reported a rise in the number of acid attack related questions and what steps to take if they witness an attack.”

In the event of a chemical burn, like those acid attacks reported in the media, it is vital that bystanders act as quickly as possible to prevent further damage to the victim and minimalise lasting damage. This could mean drowning the affected area with bottled water, if that is all there is to hand, until emergency services arrive.

Chemical burns

• Make sure that the area around the casualty is safe. Wear gloves to prevent you coming into contact with the chemical. If the chemical is in powder form, it can be brushed off of the skin.
• Flood the burn with water for at least 20 minutes to disperse the chemical and stop the burning. Ensure that the water does not collect underneath the casualty.
• Gently remove any contaminated clothing while flooding the injury.
• Arrange to send the casualty to hospital. Monitor vital signs, such as breathing, pulse and level of response. 

Never attempt to neutralise acid or alkali burns unless you are trained to do so.

Do not delay starting treatment by searching for an antidote

Chemical burn to the eye

• Hold the casualty’s affected eye under gently running cold water for at least ten minutes. Irrigate the eyelid thoroughly both inside and out.
• Make sure that contaminated water does not splash the uninjured eye.
• Ask the casualty to hold a clean, non-fluffy pad over the injured eye.
• Arrange to send the casualty to hospital.

Caution

Do not allow the casualty to touch the injured eye.

Do not forcibly remove a contact lens.