Unfortunately the occurance of acid attacks in the UK are becoming more and more frequent as a recent surge of attacks are appearing all over the country, mostly associated with the night club scene. Britain has one of the highest rates in the world of attacks with acid and other corrosive substances and the number appeared to be rising. They have a lifelong impact on the victim and are used with intent to maim and disfigure. It is therefore important that effective action is taken immediately to try and reduce the damage to the eyes, skin and surrounding tissues.

The first and most effective action to take is to douse the burn with water to disperse the chemical and stop the burning (including bottled water if it is the only thing to hand). The burn should be flooded with water for at least 20 minutes. You can try and gently remove any clothing with the acid on while flooding the burns, being careful not to remove anything that's stuck to the burnt skin as this could cause more damage.

Do not waste any time searching for an antidote to attempt to neutralise burns. Until professional help arrives monitor the victims vital signs ensuring they are conscious and breathing.

If any acid has got into the victim's eyes, you should hold the affected eye under cold running water, irrigating the eyelids. You should try to make sure that any contaminated water does not enter the unaffected eye.  Do not allow the casualty to touch the injured eye and if they are wearing contact lenses, so not try to remove it as this could cause more damage.

7/2/2018