Important Notes
Ambulance staff, paramedics and emergency department staff treating chemicallycontaminated casualties should be equipped with Department of Health approved, gas-tight (Respirex) decontamination suits based on EN466:1995, EN12941:1998 and prEN943-1:2001, where appropriate. Decontamination should be performed using local protocols in designated areas such as a decontamination cubicle with adequate ventilation. Dermal Exposure(a)
Do NOT apply neutralising chemicals as heat produced during neutralisation reactions may cause thermal burns and increase injury. Contaminated clothing should be removed, double bagged, sealed and stored safely. Decontaminate open wounds first and avoid contamination of unexposed skin. Any particulate matter adherent to skin should be removed and the patient washed with copious amounts of water under low pressure for at least 10 – 15 minutes or until pH of the skin is normal (pH of the skin is 4.5 – 6 although it may be closer to 7 in children, or after irrigation. The earlier the irrigation begins, the greater the benefit. Pay particular attention to mucous membranes, moist areas such as skin folds, fingernails and ears. Recheck pH of affected areas after a period of 15-20 minutes and repeat irrigation if abnormal. Burns with strong solutions may require irrigation for several hours or more. Once the pH is normal and stabilised, treat as per a thermal injury. Burns totalling more than 15% of body surface area in adults (more than 10% in children) will require standard fluid resuscitation as for thermal burns. Moderate/severe chemical burns should be reviwed by a burns specialist. Other measures as indicated by the patient’s clinical condition Ocular Exposure(a)
Remove patient from exposure. Remove contact lenses if present and immediately irrigate the affected eye thoroughly with water or 0.9% saline for at least 10 – 15 minutes. Continue until the conjunctival sca pH is normal (7.5 – 8.0). Retest after 20 minutes and use further irrigation if necessary. Any particles lodged in the conjunctival recesses should be removed. Patients with corneal damage and those whose symptoms do not resolve rapidly should be referred for urgent ophthalmological assessment. Inhalation(a)
Maintain a clear airway and ensure adequate ventilation. Remove from exposure if appropriate and give oxygen All patients with abnormal vital signs, chest pain, respiratory symptoms or hypoxia should have a 12 lead ECG performed.