What to do in an acid attack: How to immediately help victims
ACID attacks can cause catastrophic injuries and victims require urgent medical attention.
But would you know what to do if you found yourself caught up in an incident? Here’s the lowdown.
How should you treat acid burns?
Before you do anything else, call 999 and ask for urgent help.
Then, the most important thing you can do to prevent serious injuries is to carefully remove the chemical and any contaminated clothing and jewellery, according to the NHS.
You can do this by peeling back any items from the skin and eyes, while taking care not to touch or spread the chemical.
Use gloves or other protective materials to cover your hands where possible, and use scissors to cut clothing instead of pulling it over someone’s head.
If the chemical is dry, brush it off the skin using another item.
After that, rinse the affected area with as much clean water as possible. Do not use a wet cloth.
The water will dilute the acid, so it’s important to keep refreshing with new, clean water.
You should stay on the phone to emergency services until the ambulance arrives and follow any advice the call handler gives.
Once in hospital, an acid attack victim should receive immediate treatment.
This could be in the form of continuous washing, cleaning the burn and covering it with an appropriate dressing, pain relief, and a tetanus jab if necessary.
Minor burns, which affect the outer layer of skin and some of the underlying tissue, normally heal with good, ongoing burn care.
But people with severe burns may be referred to a specialist burns unit for surgery and skin grafts.
These kinds of injuries can take years to fully heal, and can leave people scarred for life.
What should you NOT do in the event of an acid attack?
It can be easy to rush to conclusions when trying to help someone who is in agony.
But don’t act without thinking following an acid attack or it could make matters worse, experts warn.
You may think that something like milk could act as a soothing remedy for an acid burn, but it’s a bad idea.
Milk is generally alkaline, but when it comes into contact with acid it causes an exothermic reaction, which creates more heat and can do more damage.
Plus, milk can increase the risk of infection.
Stick to running water – and lots of it.
You should also protect yourself, as well as the victim, to avoid becoming a secondary victim.
Wear gloves and protective clothing where possible.
Dr Adrian Boyle, from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, told The Sun: “It is vital to get across that people don’t become secondary victims.
“If you see someone exposed to acid, don’t try to brush it off with your hands, or you’ll end up burned yourself.
“If the substance is in powder form just brush it off, using a piece of clothing to protect your skin.”
And it’s not just acidic liquids that are used in corrosive substance attacks – very alkaline substances can be used too.
Dr Boyle added: “Alkaline powders that get wet can suddenly start to react.”
His three-step plan is to, first and foremost, avoid becoming a secondary victim, call for help and dial 999.
If water is available, use it to dilute the acid.
How common are acid attacks in Britain?
Acid attacks increased by 69 per cent in a year, with women exceeding the number of male victims for the first time, a charity warned in October 2023.
Data from police forces across England and Wales revealed there were 710 acid attacks recorded in 2022, compared to 421 in 2021, according to Acid Survivors Trust International (ASTI).
But the true number is likely to be “far higher” as several forces did not respond to requests for data.
Of the 710 in 2022, 339 targeted women and 317 were aimed at men, with the gender of the victim unknown in 48 cases.
The highest number of attacks were recorded in Northumbria (183), London (163) and Merseyside (116).
ASTI estimates a single attack costs £63,000 – for medical and psychosocial report victims require, as well as police, judicial and penal system costs.
Executive director Jaf Shah said: “The UK has the highest number of recorded attacks in the world, and the need for prevention is greater than ever.”
The NHS adds: “Unfortunately this type of crime is increasing – and whilst the overall number of people affected is still relatively low, NHS England, in partnership with the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), have come up with three simple steps if you should witness or are the victim of an attack.”
What should you do if you witness an acid attack?
If you witness or are caught up in an acid attack, call 999 immediately.
Until emergency services arrive, follow NHS advice to minimise further harm.
The call operator will also be able to offer guidance on how to deal with the situation.