For a chemical burn, what sequence of actions should be taken?

For a chemical burn, what sequence of actions should be taken?

• A. Appropriate PPE; determine chemical agent; brush off dry chemical and blot excess liquid; wash with copious amount of water and apply sterile dressing
• B. Apply ice to the burn
• C. Delay washing until arrival at facility
• D. Only rinse with water for 10 seconds

Answer: (A)

Chemical burns require immediate decontamination to limit tissue injury. Start with your own protection using appropriate PPE, then remove the patient from the chemical source and take off contaminated clothing. If there’s dry chemical on the skin, brush it off first and blot away any excess liquid to reduce further reaction. Then flush the area with copious amounts of clean water, continuing irrigation for as long as needed to wash away as much chemical as possible. After irrigation, cover the area with a sterile dressing to protect the wound. Rationale: ice is not appropriate because it can cause further tissue damage and does not remove the chemical. Delaying washing until arrival at a facility allows ongoing chemical injury. A brief rinse (such as 10 seconds) is insufficient to dilute and remove harmful substances. The sequence in this approach emphasizes prompt, thorough decontamination and protection of the wound.

Chemical burns require immediate decontamination to limit tissue injury. Start with your own protection using appropriate PPE, then remove the patient from the chemical source and take off contaminated clothing. If there’s dry chemical on the skin, brush it off first and blot away any excess liquid to reduce further reaction. Then flush the area with copious amounts of clean water, continuing irrigation for as long as needed to wash away as much chemical as possible. After irrigation, cover the area with a sterile dressing to protect the wound.

Rationale: ice is not appropriate because it can cause further tissue damage and does not remove the chemical. Delaying washing until arrival at a facility allows ongoing chemical injury. A brief rinse (such as 10 seconds) is insufficient to dilute and remove harmful substances. The sequence in this approach emphasizes prompt, thorough decontamination and protection of the wound.