ACID ATTACK FIRST AID: What to do?
With Chhapaak release round the corner, debate has intensified on the horror of acid attacks and the trauma faced by victims of such attacks, not just at the hands of their perpetrators (who only attacked them once) but at the hands of the whole society (which attacks them every single day).
However, amidst the wiping of tears and thanking god that we were spared such traumatic fate, some practicalities have been forgotten.
The most important one being: What do you do if acid is thrown on somebody? What is the first-aid that needs to be administered?
Thus, today we will take a detour from law points and enumerate the basic first aid for acid attack: WATER!
1. WATER IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
The best first-aid in such cases is to try and flood the face/body (wherever acid has been thrown) with water in order to stop the burning process. AND DON'T FORGET: Do not let the falling water (containing acid) touch other parts of skin. Thus, douse water in such a position that the water would fall on the ground and not on the person's body.
2. 20-Minute Rule!
It is not enough to just wash the face/body with water once and be done with it. Remember to douse the burn with water for at least a minimum of 20 minutes. That will help
3. USE Cool Running Water ... Not ICE/ICE Water
Always remember to USE COOL RUNNING WATER (tap water, bottled water, etc.) to douse the burn. But do not become overly literal and take things to the extreme by using ice or ice water to cool the burn area.
4. Remove any clothing with acid on it
While focusing on the skin, DO NOT IGNORE any clothing where acid may have invariably collected. Carefully remove any piece of clothing if you notice any acid drops on it.
5. Don't spray (the water) ... douse only!
Don't spray the water at the burn site (it may cause more damage). Douse gently with water.
6. If acid has entered the eyes: Irrigate for 10 minutes!
If acid has managed to enter the victim's eyes, place the victim's eyes under gentle running water for at least 10 minutes, ensuring that both inside and outside eyelids are thoroughly irrigated. Remember: DO NOT LET CONTAMINATED WATER TOUCH THE UNINJURED EYE.
7. Cover burn area with a sterile non-fluffy clean cloth
Finally, don't forget to cover the burn site with a sterile non-fluffy clean cloth or dressing.
8. Seek Medical Attention!
---
Dr. Mallika Nawal, Advocate
Ph.D. IIT Kharagpur
mallika_nawal@yahoo.com
However, amidst the wiping of tears and thanking god that we were spared such traumatic fate, some practicalities have been forgotten.
The most important one being: What do you do if acid is thrown on somebody? What is the first-aid that needs to be administered?
Thus, today we will take a detour from law points and enumerate the basic first aid for acid attack: WATER!
1. WATER IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
The best first-aid in such cases is to try and flood the face/body (wherever acid has been thrown) with water in order to stop the burning process. AND DON'T FORGET: Do not let the falling water (containing acid) touch other parts of skin. Thus, douse water in such a position that the water would fall on the ground and not on the person's body.
2. 20-Minute Rule!
It is not enough to just wash the face/body with water once and be done with it. Remember to douse the burn with water for at least a minimum of 20 minutes. That will help
3. USE Cool Running Water ... Not ICE/ICE Water
Always remember to USE COOL RUNNING WATER (tap water, bottled water, etc.) to douse the burn. But do not become overly literal and take things to the extreme by using ice or ice water to cool the burn area.
4. Remove any clothing with acid on it
While focusing on the skin, DO NOT IGNORE any clothing where acid may have invariably collected. Carefully remove any piece of clothing if you notice any acid drops on it.
5. Don't spray (the water) ... douse only!
Don't spray the water at the burn site (it may cause more damage). Douse gently with water.
6. If acid has entered the eyes: Irrigate for 10 minutes!
If acid has managed to enter the victim's eyes, place the victim's eyes under gentle running water for at least 10 minutes, ensuring that both inside and outside eyelids are thoroughly irrigated. Remember: DO NOT LET CONTAMINATED WATER TOUCH THE UNINJURED EYE.
7. Cover burn area with a sterile non-fluffy clean cloth
Finally, don't forget to cover the burn site with a sterile non-fluffy clean cloth or dressing.
8. Seek Medical Attention!
---
Dr. Mallika Nawal, Advocate
Ph.D. IIT Kharagpur
mallika_nawal@yahoo.com
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