What is the first aid response for a chemical burn?

The appropriate first aid response for a chemical burn is to rinse the area with copious amounts of water for at least 20 minutes. This action is crucial because it helps to dilute and remove the chemical substance from the skin, minimizing further tissue damage and alleviating pain. Rinsing immediately can prevent the chemical from continuing to penetrate the skin, reducing the severity of the burn and increasing the chance of recovery with less long-term damage.

The 20-minute duration is particularly important as it ensures thorough flushing of the affected area. In cases of specific chemicals, such as alkalis or strong acids, prolonged rinsing might be necessary to fully neutralize and remove the chemical.

It's important to use water rather than ointments, ice, or bandages initially because these methods can inhibit the flushing process, potentially trapping the chemical and worsening the injury. Applying ointment might create a barrier that doesn’t allow for proper cleansing, while ice could exacerbate skin damage by causing additional tissue injury. Bandaging without rinsing would not address the source of the injury and could lead to complications like infection.