When such burns occur, the following emergency procedures must be carried out immediately:

1. Quickly flush the area with large amounts of water, using a shower or hose, if available. Do not apply water too forcefully. Flood the area while the clothing (including shoes and socks) is being removed and continue often removal.

NOTE: There are two exceptions to the above: (1) In alkali burns caused by dry lime, the mixing of water and lime creates a very corrosive substance. Dry lime should be brushed away from the skin and clothing, unless large amounts of water are available for rapid and complete flushing. (2) In acid burns caused by phenol (carbolic acid), wash the affected area with alcohol because phenol is not water soluble; then wash with water. If alcohol is not available, flushing with water is better than no treatment at all.

2. After thorough washing, neutralize any chemical remaining on the affected area.

WARNING: DONOTattempt to neutralize a chemical unless you know exactly what it is and what substance will neutralize it. Further damage may be done by a neutralizing agent that is too strong or incorrect.

For acid burns, make a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda to a pint of water and flush it over the affected area. For alkali burns, mix 1 or 2 teaspoons of vinegar to a pint of water and flush it over the affected area.

3. Flush the area again with water and gently pat dry with a sterile gauze. Do not rub the area.

4. Transport the victim to a medical treatment facility.

When treating chemical burns to the eye, the one and only emergency treatment is to flush the eye(s) immediately with large amounts of water or a sterile saline solution. Irrigate acid burns to the eyes for at least 5 to 10 minutes with at least 2000 ml of water. Irrigate alkali burns to the eyes for at least 20 minutes. Because of the intense pain, the victim may be unable to open the eyes. If this occurs, hold the eyelids apart so that water can flow across the eye.

A drinking fountain or field "water buffalo" may be used to supply a steady stream of water. Hold the victim's head in a position that allows water to flow from the inside corner of the eye toward the outside. Do not allow the water to fall directly on the eye, and do not use greater force than is necessary to keep the water flowing across the eye.

CAUTION: Never use any chemical antidotes such as baking soda or alcohol in treating burns of the eye, and do not try to neutralize chemical agents.

After thorough irrigation, loosely cover both eyes with a clean dressing. This prevents further damage by decreasing eye movement.

The aftercare for all chemical burns is similar to that for thermal burns: Cover the affected area and get the victim to a medical treatment facility as soon as possible.