First aid for a chemical burn to the eye

Authors: Simulation and Certification Center

Editor: Rednenko V.V.

Clinical situation:

-    While pouring detergent into the washing machine, a neighbor got drops of detergent in her eye. She asked you for help. The victim complains of intense pain in the eye and  inability to open the injured eye. You have decided to provide first aid to the victim.

Equipment for the practical skill:

• Simulator.
• Sink with water.
• First aid kit.

The procedure for performing a practical skill

• Call 103 for emergency help; if possible, get someone to do this while you cool the burn.
• Put on protective gloves.
• Start cooling the burn as soon as possible:
  • hold the casualty’s affected eye under gently running cold water for at least ten minutes;

• • irrigate the eyelid thoroughly both inside and out;
  • if the casualty’s eye is shut in a spasm of pain, gently, but firmly, try to pull the eyelid open.
• Make sure that contaminated water does not splash the uninjured eye. You may find it easier to pour the water over the eye using an eye irrigator or a glass.
• Ask the casualty to hold a clean gauze pad over the injured eye.

• If it will be some time before the casualty receives medical attention, bandage the pad loosely in position.

• Identify the chemical if possible and pass on details to the medical staff.
• Arrange to take or send the casualty to the hospital.