Acid Attacks
What to do after an acid attack?
Since 2012 the UK has seen a rise in the number of corrosive acid attacks. Whilst mainly London focussed we have seen the trend start to rise in other major towns and cities. This crime has long-lasting physical and psychological effects on victims. Prompt action from bystanders, members of the public and first responders prior to the arrival of the emergency services can greatly affect the outcome of the attack.
What to do after an acid attack
Fast and effective decontamination can reduce the severity of the injury and may prevent the need for surgical interventions. The Faculty of Pre-Hospital Care and British Burn Association updated their guidelines in February this year and the revised Burns Consensus advises that amphoteric solutions should be used for first-line irrigation of chemical injuries. If Diphoterine® is not available then hypertonic saline or saline should be used. If none of these solutions are available then water should be used.
In the attached article Michael Poole states: “While the threat of aggressive chemical attacks continues, it is important that we continually challenge our existing protocols and endeavour to utilise more effective solutions when they exist and develop new ones when they don’t”.
Please read our full article on corrosive attacks, consider how you can protect yourself, your venue or business and understand why water is NOT the only solution.