Chemical burns
Your aims:
Make the area safe.
Let the appropriate
authority know what
has happened, if
necessary.
Get rid of the
chemical.
Try to get medical
help.
Your actions:
As always, assess D R A B, respond as needed, and treat any more urgent injuries.
Make sure the area is as well ventilated as possible (i.e. open windows and doors). If possible, seal the container in which the chemical was stored. If necessary, remove the casualty.
If the chemical is dry (e.g. powder) brush it off using a cloth. Make sure that you get rid of any chemical on the skin by flooding the injured area with running cold water for at least 20 minutes. If the casualty is on the ground, try to make sure the water is not collecting underneath him or her.
Gently take off clothing that might have the chemical on it while still flooding the area.
Call for help.
Remember to keep checking the casualty’s vital signs and writing down (or remembering)
what you found and what you did, so that you can report this to any health worker who takes over from you.
