There has recently been a rise in acid attacks all over the UK, as incidents have almost tripled in 2016 - 2017 compared to 5 years ago. In the past, it was thought that the main targets were South Asian women who were assaulted by ex-boyfriends or relatives. While this may be the case internationally, according to statistics in London alone 67% of victims are men. There have also been worries that Muslims are specifically being targeted, but there has been no evidence to suggest that there is a correlation with these attacks being hate crimes.

 

Being burned with acid is excruciatingly painful but is not usually life threatening. Having said that, it can cause blindness and leave lifelong physical, mental and emotional scars. What’s most unfortunate about these attacks is that only 1 in 5 of these offenses go to trial due to little evidence being left behind by the criminal, meaning justice is rarely served. These attacks sound scary, especially with the thought that they are on the rise. However it’s important to keep in mind that in general, acid attacks are incredibly uncommon. Nonetheless, both the NHS and St John Ambulance have released information on how to treat these acid burns. Hopefully you will never have to put this into practice, but it is always handy to know this information should you ever need it - for yourself or for others.

 

NHS England in association with BAPRAS have created The 3 R’s. These stand for Report, Remove and Rinse.

 

• Report the attack: dial 999. Stay on the phone until the ambulance arrives and follow any other advice given by the 999 call handler to avoid further injury.

• Remove contaminated clothing carefully, with gloves.

• Rinse skin immediately in running water.

St John Ambulance go into more detail with the following information, if you are a witness:

 

1. Make sure that the area around the victim is clear and safe. Wear gloves to prevent you from being harmed by the chemical; if it is in powder form, it can be brushed off.

2. Immerse the burn with water for at least 20 minutes, but it might be necessary to continue for over an hour. This helps diffuse the chemical and stop it from burning the skin further. Make sure the water does not collect under under the victim.

3. While flooding the burn with water, carefully and gently remove any contaminated clothing and jewelry. Be careful not to touch any uncontaminated areas with the clothes.

4. Whilst waiting for an ambulance to arrive, monitor vital signs, such as breathing, pulse and level of response.

 

CAUTION:

Do not attempt to neutralise acid or alkali burns unless you are trained to do so. Do not delay starting treatment by searching for an antidote. Only use water. Do not use other liquids such as milk and do not rub or wipe the area.

 

Some of the acid attacks that have taken place have affected the victim’s faces as this has been many of the attacker’s targeted areas. This is one of the most dangerous places to be burned, especially around the delicate eye area. If you or someone near you has had acid thrown in the eyes, here is what you should do:

 

1. Ensure the area around the casualty is clear and safe. Wear gloves to make sure you do not come into contact with the chemical.

2. Hold the casualty’s affected eye under gently running cold water for at least ten minutes. Irrigate the eyelid thoroughly both inside and out.

3. Make sure that the contaminated water does not affect the uninjured eye.  

4. Ask the casualty to to securely hold a clean, non fluffy pad over the injured eye.

5. Whilst waiting for an ambulance to arrive, monitor vital signs, such as breathing, pulse and level of response.

 

CAUTION:

Do not allow the casualty to touch the injured eye. Do not attempt to forcefully remove a contact lens.

 

There has recently been a rise in acid attacks all over the UK, as incidents have almost tripled in 2016 - 2017 compared to 5 years ago. In the past, it was thought that the main targets were South Asian women who were assaulted by ex-boyfriends or relatives. While this may be the case internationally, according to statistics in London alone 67% of victims are men. There have also been worries that Muslims are specifically being targeted, but there has been no evidence to suggest that there is a correlation with these attacks being hate crimes.

 

Being burned with acid is excruciatingly painful but is not usually life threatening. Having said that, it can cause blindness and leave lifelong physical, mental and emotional scars. What’s most unfortunate about these attacks is that only 1 in 5 of these offenses go to trial due to little evidence being left behind by the criminal, meaning justice is rarely served. These attacks sound scary, especially with the thought that they are on the rise. However it’s important to keep in mind that in general, acid attacks are incredibly uncommon. Nonetheless, both the NHS and St John Ambulance have released information on how to treat these acid burns. Hopefully you will never have to put this into practice, but it is always handy to know this information should you ever need it - for yourself or for others.

 

NHS England in association with (BAPRAS) have created The 3 R’s. These stand for Report, Remove and Rinse.

 

• Report the attack: dial 999. Stay on the phone until the ambulance arrives and follow any other advice given by the 999 call handler to avoid further injury.

• Remove contaminated clothing carefully, with gloves.

• Rinse skin immediately in running water.

St John Ambulance go into more detail with the following information, if you are a witness:

 

1. Make sure that the area around the victim is clear and safe. Wear gloves to prevent you from being harmed by the chemical; if it is in powder form, it can be brushed off.

2. Immerse the burn with water for at least 20 minutes, but it might be necessary to continue for over an hour. This helps diffuse the chemical and stop it from burning the skin further. Make sure the water does not collect under under the victim.

3. While flooding the burn with water, carefully and gently remove any contaminated clothing and jewelry. Be careful not to touch any uncontaminated areas with the clothes.

4. Whilst waiting for an ambulance to arrive, monitor vital signs, such as breathing, pulse and level of response.

 

CAUTION:

Do not attempt to neutralise acid or alkali burns unless you are trained to do so. Do not delay starting treatment by searching for an antidote. Only use water. Do not use other liquids such as milk and do not rub or wipe the area.

 

Some of the acid attacks that have taken place have affected the victim’s faces as this has been many of the attacker’s targeted areas. This is one of the most dangerous places to be burned, especially around the delicate eye area. If you or someone near you has had acid thrown in the eyes, here is what you should do:

 

1. Ensure the area around the casualty is clear and safe. Wear gloves to make sure you do not come into contact with the chemical.

2. Hold the casualty’s affected eye under gently running cold water for at least ten minutes. Irrigate the eyelid thoroughly both inside and out.

3. Make sure that the contaminated water does not affect the uninjured eye.  

4. Ask the casualty to to securely hold a clean, non fluffy pad over the injured eye.

5. Whilst waiting for an ambulance to arrive, monitor vital signs, such as breathing, pulse and level of response.

 

CAUTION:

Do not allow the casualty to touch the injured eye. Do not attempt to forcefully remove a contact lens.

 

Once the medics arrive, they will handle the situation with care and rush the victim straight to the burn ward. Here they will receive immediate treatment, hopefully reducing the effects of the acid.

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