An acid attack is a medical emergency involving corrosive chemicals that cause rapid tissue damage, intense pain, and potential disfigurement. Immediate action can significantly reduce long-term harm.
Nitric acid and sulfuric acid are usually the most common kinds of acids used in acid attacks. Remember that calling 911 and asking for help urgently and immediately is imperative in such cases. If you want to know how to help someone who has experienced an acid attack, then keep reading.
First Aid for Acid Attack
1.Call for Emergency Help Immediately
- Dial emergency services as soon as possible.
- Provide clear details: location, number of victims, and type of chemical (if known).
2. Protect Yourself First
- Do not touch the acid with bare hands.
- Use gloves, cloth, or any barrier to protect your skin.
- Avoid inhaling fumes or touching contaminated surfaces.
3. Help the Victim to Safety
- Move them away from the source of the acid.
- Help them sit or lie down in a safe area.
- Keep bystanders away to prevent further exposure.
4. Remove Contaminated Clothing & Jewelry
- Cut away clothing that has acid on it—do not pull it over the head.
- Remove jewelry or accessories near the affected area.
- Be gentle to avoid spreading the acid.
5. Rinse with Cool, Clean Water Immediately
- Flood the affected area with water for at least 20–30 minutes.
- Use large volumes—a bottle is not enough. Think buckets, hoses, or showers.
- Avoid using creams, ointments, or neutralizing agents unless directed by professionals.
6. Special Care for Eyes
- If acid enters the eyes:
- Rinse with clean water continuously.
- Hold eyelids open and flush from the inner corner outward.
- Do not forcibly remove contact lenses.
7. Monitor and Comfort the Victim
- Watch for signs of shock: pale skin, rapid pulse, shallow breathing.
- Keep them warm and reassured.
- Do not give food or drink if unconscious or semi-conscious.
Prevention
1.Regulation of Acid Sales
- Strict licensing for purchase and sale of corrosive substances
- Mandatory record-keeping of buyers and sellers
- Age restrictions and ID verification for purchase
- Clear labeling and packaging to prevent misuse
Countries like Bangladesh and the UK have seen a decline in attacks after implementing tighter controls.
2. Legal Reforms & Enforcement
- Enact specific laws criminalizing acid attacks with severe penalties
- Fast-track prosecution and conviction of offenders
- Provide free legal aid and protection for survivors
- Recognize acid violence as a form of gender-based violence
3. Education & Social Awareness
- Integrate gender equality and respect into school curricula
- Conduct community workshops on non-violent conflict resolution
- Use media campaigns to challenge stigma and promote survivor dignity
- Promote bystander intervention training to empower witnesses
Education is critical in preventing acid attacks and other forms of violence against women and girls.
4. Personal Safety & Empowerment
- Encourage self-defense training, especially for women and girls
- Promote use of safety apps and emergency alert systems
- Carry clean water or personal alarms in high-risk areas
- Build community support networks for early intervention
5. Healthcare & Survivor Support
- Ensure immediate access to emergency care and burn units
- Provide psychological counseling and long-term rehabilitation
- Support vocational training and reintegration programs
- Establish survivor-led advocacy groups to influence policy
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Call EMS immediately | Delay flushing or use small water volumes |
| Wear protective gloves or barriers when handling the acid | Apply ice, oils, creams, or powders to the burn |
| Remove contaminated clothing and jewelry | Rub, massage, or brush the chemical into the skin |
| Flush with cool running water for at least 20 minutes | Let water pool under the injured area |
| Monitor vital signs and treat for shock | Allow the victim to walk unassisted if they feel weak |
Special Considerations
- Maintain irrigation until professional decontamination teams take over in hospital.
- Document the chemical’s name or bring the container to aid definitive treatment.
- Early ophthalmology consultation is crucial for eye burns to prevent vision loss.
REFERENCES
- Tom Durham, First Aid for Acid Attacks, retrieved on 23-5-2024. https://firstaidtrainingcooperative.co.uk/first-aid-for-acid-attacks/
- Emma Hammett, First Aid for Acid or Alkaline Attacks, https://onlinefirstaid.com/first-aid-for-acid-attack/
- John Furst, First Aid for Acid Attack: 7 Rapid Responses, April 16, 2024, https://www.firstaidforfree.com/first-aid-for-acid-attack/
- British Red Cross, First aid for acid burns, 8 January 2021, https://www.redcross.org.uk/stories/health-and-social-care/first-aid/first-aid-for-acid-burns
Stories are the threads that bind us; through them, we understand each other, grow, and heal.
JOHN NOORD
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