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Civilian Emergency Platform
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A chemical, cleaning product, or irritant has entered a person's eye and they are in pain.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — NOT EXPERT REVIEWED — NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Severe burning, stinging, or inability to open the eye.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Redness, tearing, blurred vision, or visible chemical residue on lashes.
Scene hazards: Continued chemical exposure, Contaminated rinse water
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lead the person to clean running water — tap, bottle, or hose.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tilt head so the affected eye is lower — water runs away from the other eye.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pull the lower lid down and gently hold the upper lid up. Flush continuously.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rinse for at least 15 minutes. Do not stop when pain eases — chemicals can linger.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 or 108 if severe pain, chemical is strong (acid/alkali), or vision is affected.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tell them the chemical name if known and that you have been flushing the eye.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — All significant chemical eye exposures need professional evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bring the chemical container or label to the hospital if safe to do so.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT rub the eye — this spreads the chemical and worsens injury.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use neutralizing agents like vinegar or baking soda unless poison control directs you.
MYTH: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Milk or tea is better than water for a chemical in the eye
REALITY: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Clean running water is the standard first step. Other liquids may introduce infection or fail to dilute the chemical.
DANGER: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Delays proper flushing and may worsen injury.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Chemicals can burn the delicate surface of the eye within seconds.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Quick flushing removes the irritant and limits permanent damage.