When acids, alkalies, or other chemicals come in contact with the skin or other body membranes, they can cause injuries that are generally referred to as chemical burns. For the most part, these injuries are not caused by heat, but by direct chemical destruction of body tissues. The areas most often affected are the extremities, mouth, and eyes. Alkali burns are usually more serious than acid bums for alkalies penetrate deeper and burn longer.

TREATMENT. When such burns occur on board a ship or in the shop, emergency measures must be carried out immediately, without waiting for the arrival of medical personnel. The following procedures should be followed when you are treating chemical burns:

1. Begin flushing the area immediately with large amounts of water, using a shower or hose, when available. Do not apply water too forcefully. Continue to flood the area while his clothing, including shoes and socks, is being removed, as well as afterwards.

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

2. After thorough washing, neutralize the chemicals that remain on the affected area.

WARNING

Do not attempt to neutralize a chemical unless you are exactly sure what it is and what substance can effectively neutralize it. Further damage may be done by a neutralizing agent that is too strong or incorrect. For acid burns, mix a solution of 1 teaspoon of baking soda in a pint of water and flush it over the affected area.

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

4. Transport the victim to a medical facility.

CHEMICAL BURNS OF THE EYE. Flush the eye immediately with large amounts of fresh, clean water. Acid burns should be flushed at least 5 minutes, and alkali burns flushed for as long as 20 minutes. Because of the intense pain, the victim maybe unable to open his eyes. When this occurs, hold the eyelids apart so water can flow across the eyes.

Figure 10-46.-Electrical penetration of the skin.

A drinking fountain maybe 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, nor use greater force than is necessary to keep the water flowing across the eye.

CAUTION

Never use chemical antidotes, such as vinegar, baking soda, or alcohol, in treating burns of the eye.

After thorough irrigation, loosely cover both eyes with a clean dressing.

The aftercare for all chemical burns is similar to that for thermal burns; cover the affected area and get the victim to a medical facility at once.