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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Burning eyes, throat, and skin after tear gas or pepper spray in crowd control situation.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Move upwind. Flush eyes 15 min water. No rubbing. Breathe trouble — hospital.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Burning eyes, excessive tears, cough, skin sting.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — White cloud or canisters on ground nearby.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — CS gas binds to moisture on skin and eyes causing intense pain.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Panicked rubbing worsens corneal injury.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Turn upwind. Walk don't run if visibility poor — hold arm of companion.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Close eyes until clear air if possible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lift upper lid while flushing eye from inner corner outward.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Shower if available — soap body not eyes first pass.
When and how to get professional help.
Asthma attack, prolonged breathing difficulty, or chemical burn needs ER.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Decontaminate and breathe fresh air. Antidotes are medical setting.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — 112 if person cannot breathe or has asthma attack.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Describe gas exposure and location for ambulance.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use milk in eyes unless water unavailable — water preferred.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT wear contact lenses after exposure — discard them.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rubbing eyes relieves tear gas burning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rubbing grinds particles into cornea increasing damage.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Corneal scarring and prolonged vision impairment.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Blast injury
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bomb, gas, or industrial blast caused injury — multiple hidden trauma types.
Carjacking
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Armed person forcing driver out or forcing entry while occupied.
Civil unrest
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Demonstration turned violent with projectiles, fires, or clashes with security forces.
Domestic violence
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Physical or sexual violence in home — victim or witness needs safety now.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Corneal abrasion and reactive airway need medical check.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pregnant and elderly lower tolerance — seek care sooner.