Posted at 17:24
How to help the victim of a chemical attack
The NHS has guidance on how to help anyone suffering with burns caused by acid, alkaline or caustic chemicals - it goes as follows:- After calling 999 urgently, your first move should be to wash the burnt area with lots of water
- Rinse the affected area continuously, making sure the water can run off the wound rather than pool on the skin
- It’s important not to wipe the skin as this can embed the contaminant into the pores - if the chemical is a dry powder, gently brush it off
- You should then try to remove as much contaminated clothing as you can - using something like gloves to protect your hands. If possible, you should avoid pulling clothing over the head, as this can transfer the substance
- Stay on the phone until the ambulance arrives and follow any other advice given by the 999 call handler to avoid further injury