1 Rinse eye
2Seek medical help
FOREIGN OBJECT IN THE EYE • CHEMICALS IN THE EYE
Chemicals in the eye
37
When splashes of chemicals get into the eyes, they can cause serious damage, resulting in scarring and even blindness. The primary aim of first-aid treatment is to effectively irrigate the eye, or flush it with water, in order to disperse hazardous substances. The next step is to dress the eye, and then seek hospital care for the victim.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Eye redness and swelling
• Watering of the eye
• Sharp pain in the eye
• Signs of chemicals nearby
TREATING CHEMICALS IN THE EYE
1 Rinse eye
• If the victim cannot open his eye, use your finger and thumb to gently separate the two eyelids.
• Hold the affected eye under gently running cold water for at least 10 minutes.
• Be careful that water being rinsed from the injured eye does not drain into the other eye or splash either you or the victim.
• If it is easier, use a jug or glass to pour water onto the eye.
2Seek medical help
• Ask the victim to hold a sterile pad, or one made from clean, nonfluffy material, such as a handkerchief, over the injured eye.
• If possible, identify the chemical.
• Take or send him to the hospital.
Cover eye with clean pad
Wear protective gloves
Wash eye with cold water for 10 minutes
! Important
• Do not touch the affected eye or allow the victim to touch it.
• If chemical spray is the irritant, face the victim into the wind. Do not attempt to flush
it out using water.
• Wear gloves to protect yourself.