What to do in an acid attack – the urgent steps you need to know | The Sun
AN acid attack is a form of violence which involves a corrosive substance being thrown on someone.
The chemical assault is often directed at the victim's face – usually a woman or a girl – in an evil attempt to harm their identity and self-image.
They are used because so much emphasis is placed on the physical appearance of women and girls.
Women in countries around the world live with the threat of acid attacks.
Globally, there are approximately 1,500 acid attacks a year, according to Acid Survivors Trust International.
And while the greatest prevalence of attacks is in south Asian countries including India, Pakistan where acid remains inexpensive and freely available, the UK is not exempt.
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In fact, per capita the UK has one of the highest rates of recorded acid attacks in the world
In 2018, in London alone, corrosive substances were used in 310 crimes, compared to 456 in 2017, and so we have seen a substantial drop, according to Metropolitan Police Figures.
Nationwide there has been an increase in acid attacks with 452 reported crimes in 2017 and 501 reported crimes in 2018.
This week, Coronation Street star Ryan Connor was splashed in the face with acid intended for bride Daisy Midgeley on her wedding day.
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Ryan is seen falling to the floor screaming in agony as some of the acid began burning on his face and on Daisy’s skin.
What should you do in the event of an acid attack?
Firstly, you must call 999 and ask for urgent help, the NHS advises.
After calling 999, to help prevent severe injuries from a chemical burn.
The most important thing you can do in the event of an acid attack is to douse the victim in running water, rather than use a wet cloth.
The water dilutes the acid, and so it's important to keep refreshing with new, clean water, as quickly as possible.
HS England guidance Report, Remove, Rinse instructs anyone who comes across a victim how to help.
Dr Adrian Boyle, a spokesman for the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said it is important people rushing to help victims of acid attacks do not become secondary victims themselves.
He previously told The Sun Online: "It is vital to get across that people don't become secondary victims.
"If you see someone exposed to acid don't try and 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 attacks – very alkaline substances can be used too.
Dr Boyle added: "Alkaline powders that get wet can suddenly start to react."
The NHS also suggests you take off any clothes/jewellery that have made contact with the acid.
What should you NOT do in the event of an acid attack?
You may think milk could act as a soothing remedy, in the event of an acid burn, but experts advise it's a bad idea.
Milk is generally alkaline, though as it goes off it becomes more acidic.
When alkaline milk comes into contact with acid it will cause an exothermic reaction, which creates more heat and can do more damage, the NHS says.
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Plus, milk could increase the risk of infection.
So, always, always stick to running water – and lots of it.
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