Urgent 3 steps after chemical attack can save a victim, according to experts
Three simple steps could help save a victim of a chemical attack, and we should all know what they are.
A suspected alkaline attack in Clapham on Wednesday saw nine people - including a mum and two girls aged three and eight - rushed to hospital, with the three-year-old girl and her mum potentially suffering "life-changing" injuries and another person being treated for injuries at the scene.
Following the terrifying ordeal, we all must know what to do if we witness a chemical attack, which can include acid attacks as well as alkaline ones. According to the NHS, three main steps must be taken as soon as the attack occurs.
The NHS website states that burns caused by acid, alkaline, or other chemicals can be "very damaging and need immediate medical attention". Your first step whenever you seek to help a victim of a chemical attack should be to call 999 and ask for urgent help.
Once 999 has been contacted, you should try to help prevent severe injuries from a chemical burn by following two steps: Try to carefully remove the chemical and any contaminated clothing, and rinse the affected area using as much clean water as possible.
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Remove the chemical and affected clothing
Taking contaminated clothing off of the victim can help to stop the chemical from coming into further contact with their skin. You should take extreme care when doing this so as not to spread the chemical or touch it yourself. The NHS recommends wearing gloves or other protective materials to cover your hands, and carefully cutting away clothing such as t-shirts so that you don't pull them over the victim's head.
Do not wipe the skin as this may spread contamination, however, if the chemical is dry you can gently attempt to brush it off the skin.
Rinse continuously with clean water
Clean water should be applied to the affected area as soon as possible, and you should keep rinsing with as much clean water as you have access to. You should try to ensure the water can run off the skin without pooling, as this could impact other areas of the body as the water will contain contaminants.
The NHS states you should only use water for this step and should not rub or wipe the area. You should also stay on the phone with the 999 handler until the ambulance arrives and should follow any advice given to you to avoid further injury.
Once the victim has been taken to hospital, they will receive further treatment that will include continuing to wash off the corrosive substance with water, cleaning the burn and covering it with an appropriate dressing, administering pain relief, and giving a tetanus jab if necessary.
If you have been the victim of a chemical attack, there is specialist support that can aid you throughout your recovery. Burns support groups also provide practical and emotional support to victims and their families. Your care team should be able to signpost you to local groups, and there are also national organisations that can help too.
The Katie Piper Foundation provides specific help for victims and families of acid attacks and other burns, while Changing Faces provides support for those whose condition or injury impacts their appearance, and Victim Support provides help and advice to victims and witnesses of crimes.
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