An acid attack is a deliberate act of violence involving the use of a corrosive substance, often a strong acid, to inflict severe chemical burns on a victim. The moment the chemical contacts the skin, it begins to destroy tissue through processes like protein denaturation and dehydration. This severe tissue damage starts immediately and continues until the chemical is physically removed or diluted. Acting with extreme speed is the only way to mitigate the profound and potentially life-altering injuries caused by these corrosive agents.
Immediate Emergency Response
The first action is to contact emergency medical services immediately, dialing 911 or the local equivalent. While this call is being made, the focus must shift instantly to removing the chemical from the body to stop the burning process.
The rescuer should wear gloves if available and avoid direct contact with any contaminated material. Quickly and carefully remove all contaminated clothing and jewelry, as these items hold the corrosive substance against the skin. It is safer to cut clothing away from the body rather than pulling it off over the head, which could spread the chemical to unaffected areas.
Once the source is removed, the affected area must be flushed with copious amounts of running water, such as under a shower, using a garden hose, or holding the area under a tap. The goal is to continuously flood the burn site, ensuring the water runs off the body without pooling or contacting unaffected skin.
This continuous flushing should be maintained for at least 20 minutes, though 30 to 60 minutes is often recommended for severe exposures. The sheer volume of water is necessary to dilute and wash away the chemical. Do not wipe or rub the affected skin, as this can physically spread the corrosive agent, worsening the injury.
Why Water is the Safest Neutralizer
Water is the only universally recommended substance for initial first aid because its primary mechanism is dilution and removal, not chemical neutralization. Corrosive acids damage tissue by acting as strong dehydrating agents, and large volumes of water physically lift and carry the chemical away from the skin’s surface. This rapid reduction in the concentration of the acid is the most effective way to limit the depth and severity of the burn.
Attempting to neutralize an acid with an alkali, such as baking soda or lime, is a dangerous mistake that can dramatically worsen the burn. The chemical reaction between an acid and a base is an exothermic process, meaning it generates heat. This sudden, uncontrolled release of thermal energy adds a heat burn to the existing chemical injury, driving the corrosive agent deeper into the tissue.
It is virtually impossible for a layperson to apply the exact amount of neutralizing agent required, risking the application of excess alkali. The resulting alkaline substance is itself a corrosive chemical that can cause a severe liquefaction necrosis burn. Water avoids this reaction entirely, acting as a safe, simple solvent that cools the area while it dilutes the contaminant.
Essential Follow-Up Care
After the continuous, long-duration flushing is complete, the immediate first aid transitions into wound management and transport to professional care. The burned area should be loosely covered with a sterile, non-adherent dressing to prevent infection and protect the exposed tissue. Household plastic wrap or cling film can be used as a temporary, non-stick covering; it should be placed in layers over the burn rather than wrapped tightly around a limb.
Do not apply any creams, ointments, or home remedies to the burn, as these can interfere with subsequent medical evaluation and treatment. The victim must be transported immediately to a hospital emergency department or a specialized burn center. Continuous pain management will be necessary, which medical professionals can administer safely.
It is important to inform the medical team about the nature of the chemical involved, if known. Bringing the container or bottle the acid came in can provide physicians with the exact chemical composition, which significantly aids in determining the most appropriate medical treatment. Medical staff will continue the decontamination process and assess the need for a tetanus shot or surgical intervention.