The London Ambulance Service (LAS) has offered advice on what to do in the event of an acid attack.

The information comes from medical director Dr Fenella Wrigley following the alarming increase in acid attacks in the capital , and details the immediate steps to take if you or someone you are with has suffered a chemical burn.

The recent spate includes an attack in Fulham which saw a teen suffer burns to his face and neck and another also injured in April.

More than 800 attacks involving acid have been recorded in London in the past three years

The Metropolitan Police said in the past three years it had recorded 833 crimes where the crime involved “noxious or corrosive liquids” or where the suspect caused explosions or threw corrosive fluids with intent to harm.

Some 72 of these were in west London .

Immediate steps to take if you or someone you are with has suffered a chemical burn include:

  • Remove the chemical causing the burn while protecting yourself. Wear gloves or use a towel or other suitable object.
  • Remove contaminated clothing or jewellery to prevent further burning.
  • Rinse the burn immediately with a gentle, steady stream of cool tap water over the burn for 10 or more minutes. A shower can be used if available, and mild soap can be used on skin safely. Always protect your eyes while washing acid off your skin.
  • Loosely apply a dry bandage, gauze or clean cotton clothing.
  • For minor burns (not affecting the face) take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
  • For further medical advice, call NHS 111.

When to seek emergency care:

  • The person is showing signs of shock such as fainting, a pale complexion or very shallow breathing.
  • The chemical has burnt through the first layer of their skin (ie a blister has formed) and the burn covers an area more than three inches (about eight centimetres) in diameter.
  • The chemical burn goes all the way round a limb or involves the eyes, hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, or a major joint such as the knee or elbow.

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