First Aid for Acid Attacks: In our self-defense classes, we’ve noticed a growing concern about how to handle acid attacks. Given the tragic incident involving Katie Piper, this alarming form of assault is particularly troubling for those who are facing stalking situations.

We recommend trusting your gut feelings and steering clear of any situations that might be dangerous. Most of the time, there are clues that something is off before an incident occurs. If you sense that something isn’t right, make sure to remove yourself from the situation and find a safe place.

We engaged in a discussion with Kate Joy from DipHex Solutions Limited about acid attacks and the necessary first aid to provide. DipHex Solutions is a leading name in supplying products for emergency chemical first aid and decontamination.

1) Acid attacks have been in the news more frequently in recent years. Are they becoming more common and what types of situations are they used in?

Corrosive attacks have been making headlines lately, showing a steady increase over the years, with the Metropolitan Police reporting 752 incidents in 2018. Although the lockdown seemed to reduce the number of reported attacks, it’s hard to measure the true impact. Recently, there have been new reports of such attacks, as corrosive substances remain a tool for criminals, and this trend is expected to continue. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that these incidents are now happening beyond the previously identified hotspots in London.

2) If you are the victim of an acid attack what should you do to minimise damage?

Decontamination plays a crucial role in cases of corrosive attacks. To put it simply, when corrosive and irritating chemicals get into the deeper layers of the skin and eyes, they can cause significant harm. The chemical interacts with specific molecules in the tissue, leading to cellular damage and the progression of chemical injuries. The extent of the injury is directly related to how many cells are affected; the deeper the chemical goes, the more serious the injury becomes.

It’s essential to understand that these attacks involve more than just acids. Although the phrase “acid attack” has gained popularity, they are actually better described as “corrosive attacks.” The chemicals used in these incidents can range from strong acids to strong alkalis, covering both ends of the pH scale.

There are actually six types of harmful substances that can inflict damage: acids, alkalis, oxidizing agents, reducing agents, chelating agents, and solvents. Each of these can affect our tissues in unique ways. Therefore, it’s crucial for our decontamination approach to effectively handle any corrosive or irritating chemicals.

Cleaning the affected area is crucial for minimizing the injury’s impact. By swiftly eliminating the chemical from the skin or eyes, we can prevent deeper penetration and lessen the overall damage.

Various washing solutions possess unique capabilities when it comes to decontamination. Water and saline act as passive washes, while amphoteric solutions like Diphoterine® function as active washes.

3) What about if you witness an acid attack, how should you help?

If you see an attack happening, it’s crucial to call for help right away. These situations can be tough to handle, and medical support will be necessary. The first step is to focus on decontamination, but keep in mind the potential for cross-contamination from the affected person. We highly recommend using personal protective equipment (PPE) when helping with the decontamination process.

Using water for decontamination helps wash away the chemical from surfaces and dilutes it, making it less harmful. It’s important to note that a significant amount of water is needed—industry guidelines recommend 60 liters per minute for a duration of 15 minutes for all Class I corrosive substances.

When using water, keep in mind that it can spread contamination across a wider area of the body at first. Aim to direct the water away from sensitive areas to minimize the effects. It’s also best to prevent the person from sitting or lying in the runoff, as it could still be harmful.

Saline is the go-to choice for eye decontamination because it matches the isotonicity of the eyes. Using water can create an osmotic imbalance, which might actually help chemicals seep deeper into the tissues, a phenomenon known as the wash-in effect. Since the eyes are very vulnerable to chemical harm, saline, with its equal osmotic pressure, helps minimize this risk. However, it’s important to note that saline only acts as a passive rinse and won’t affect any chemicals that have already entered the tissues.

Hypertonic Amphoteric Chelating Agents, like Diphoterine®, are highly recommended for cleaning up chemical spills. These powerful solutions effectively wash away harmful substances from the skin and eyes while also neutralizing the chemicals. Their hypertonic properties help prevent deeper penetration and quickly restore the tissue to a safe pH level.

4) Tell us about your product and how that can help?

Diphoterine® is a powerful hypertonic amphoteric chelating agent that effectively binds to harmful corrosive and irritant substances, stopping them from causing damage to tissues. This active wash allows for a significantly reduced amount of solution needed for thorough

The hypertonic solution pulls fluids from the tissues, which helps to minimize chemical absorption and quickly restores the tissue to a safe pH level, preventing any potential damage. This property allows us more time to use Diphoterine® effectively, giving us 60 seconds to respond instead of needing an immediate reaction like with water.

If there’s a hold-up in starting irrigation, Diphoterine® can still be effective for up to 24 hours after exposure to the chemicals, helping to restore tissue to a safe physiological pH. It’s sterile, non-toxic, and non-irritating, making it safe for all responders and first aid personnel to use.

5) Who can buy it and where can they get it from?

Diphoterine® can be obtained from Diphex Solutions Limited, the authorized representative of the manufacturer in the UK. Our approachable team of advisors is here to talk about your specific hazards and recommend the best kits to help reduce the identified risks. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a friendly chat or to schedule a demonstration!

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