An acid attack, also known as a chemical assault, involves the deliberate throwing of a corrosive substance, which can be a strong acid like sulfuric or nitric acid, or a strong alkali like caustic soda, onto a person’s body. These substances rapidly damage skin tissue, frequently targeting the face, with the intent to disfigure, maim, or kill. The resulting chemical burns are severe and can penetrate deep into muscle and bone. Immediate and appropriate action is the only way to minimize permanent injury and save a life. Swift intervention is paramount because the chemical continues to destroy tissue until it is neutralized or fully removed from the skin.
Prioritizing Immediate Safety
The first action in an acid attack scenario is to simultaneously ensure the safety of the rescuer and call for professional medical help. Before approaching the victim, assess the immediate environment to confirm the attacker is no longer present and that no liquid is actively being thrown or splashing.
Call emergency medical services (such as 911 or 999) immediately to mobilize professional help and transport to a specialist burn unit. If possible, put on gloves, goggles, or any protective gear available before touching the victim or contaminated items to prevent secondary chemical exposure. If no gear is available, proceed with caution, avoiding direct contact with any liquid or clothing that has been splashed.
Move the victim away from the contaminated area and any source of chemical vapors to a safe, open space. The goal is to separate the victim from the corrosive agent and ensure the rescuer does not become a second casualty. This initial phase provides the foundation for the physical first aid steps that must follow immediately.
Critical First Aid Steps
The single most important step in treating a chemical burn is to dilute and remove the corrosive substance from the skin as quickly as possible. This process must begin immediately, even before emergency services arrive. The affected area must be flushed continuously with copious amounts of cool or lukewarm running water for a minimum of 20 minutes, and ideally for 45 minutes or longer, until the burning sensation subsides.
While flushing is taking place, all contaminated clothing, jewelry, and contact lenses must be removed to stop the chemical from further penetrating the skin. Clothing should be cut away quickly, rather than pulled over the head, to avoid spreading the chemical to unaffected areas, especially the face and eyes. The water should be poured gently over the affected area, ensuring it runs off without pooling or carrying the chemical to a clean part of the body.
If the eyes are affected, they require continuous and gentle flushing with water for at least 15 to 20 minutes to prevent permanent vision loss. The water must run from the inner corner of the eye toward the outer corner, ensuring the contaminated water does not flow into the unaffected eye. After the flushing period, do not attempt to neutralize the chemical with substances like baking soda or vinegar. This could cause a heat-generating reaction that would intensify the burn and worsen the tissue damage.
Once the chemical has been thoroughly flushed, the burn should be covered loosely to protect the exposed tissue from contamination. Use a layer of sterile gauze or clean, non-fluffy material like plastic wrap or cling film, applied loosely. Avoid using cotton wool or adhesive dressings on the burned skin, as fibers can stick to the wound, complicating later medical treatment.
Hospital Treatment and Long-Term Care
Upon arrival at the hospital, medical professionals will continue the initial treatment, which may include further irrigation of the burn site until the chemical is confirmed to be entirely removed. The immediate medical focus shifts to pain management and preventing infection with antibiotics, sometimes administered intravenously. A thorough assessment determines the depth and extent of the burn, which guides the subsequent treatment plan.
Severe chemical burns often require surgical intervention to remove dead or damaged tissue, a procedure known as debridement. This is frequently followed by skin grafting, where healthy skin is taken from another area of the body to cover the wound and promote healing. Recovery often involves multiple reconstructive surgeries over months or years to restore form and function, especially if the face or joints are involved.
Long-term physical rehabilitation is necessary to minimize scarring and restore mobility, especially around joints. This care includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and the use of specialized pressure garments. Psychological support is equally involved in the recovery from such a traumatic assault. Survivors frequently experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and challenges with body image. Access to specialized mental health professionals and support groups is a fundamental component of holistic care.