First Aid for Chemical Burns

Chemical burns need immediate medical attention. Depending on their cause and severity, their consequences may include severe pain, dizziness, and even cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, many people do not fully appreciate these dangers due to an erroneous belief that chemical burns are only a problem for laboratory workers. Most of us actually come into contact with many dangerous chemicals every day.

Sometimes these injuries are caused by fully avoidable acts of negligence, such as defective containers or another person’s reckless behavior with hazardous substances. If you or a loved one has been hurt by such an act, Jacksonville chemical burn injury lawyer Don Guthrie can help. Call our offices at 904-296-1088 to learn how.

Responding to a Chemical Burn

Of course, the first step in chemical burn first aid is to remove the hazardous chemical. Take the victim away from the area where the accident occurred, and remove any contaminated clothing or jewelry.

Chemical burns should always be seen by a medical professional in case of complications. Even if you do not think professional care is necessary, call your doctor or Poison Control for their opinion. If a chemical burn victim is showing any worrying symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, you need to help him or her lie down and then call 911 immediately.

While you are waiting for help, you can reduce the damage done by washing off the chemical in question. This should usually be done with large volumes of water, although you should take care not to let the runoff spread the chemical to new areas. If the substance in question is a powder, thoroughly brush it away before exposing the injured area to any water.

If you are interested in compensation for your medical bills and other expenses related to a preventable chemical burn, a Jacksonville burn injury attorney can help.

Contact Us

Jacksonville chemical burn attorney Don Guthrie is ready to fight for your rights. Contact our offices today at 904-296-1088.