With acid attacks are becoming more common in the UK, Stop Acid Attacks has come up with advice on first aid for the victim once you have called 999.
In past years, acid was used in revenge attacks, but of late, the life-changing corrosive substances have been used for a range of robberies.
Here’s what to do if someone is attacked with acid:
1. The most important first fid is to immediately wash affected body part of patient with plenty of fresh or saline water.
2. Don’t rinse the burn area with dirty water as it can cause severe infection.
3. Keep flushing the affected burn area with plenty of cool water, (not very cold) until the patient’s burning sensation starts fading. It may take 30-45 minutes.
4. Remove all the jewellery or clothing which had contact with acid.
5. Don’t apply any kind of cream, ointment on the affected area as it may slow the treatment procedure by doctors.
6. If possible, use sterilised gauze to loosely wrap the affected area. The gauze protects the skin from air, debris, dirt and contamination.
Read more advice from Stop Acid Attacks on their website: www.stopacidattacks.org.
