Hi List,
I've forwarded this to all as John clearly knows what he's talking about
and the info is invaluable. Note the timescale is important, the cases
here reasonably didn't connect clearing up a burnt out mess with acid
contamination as you might do in a workplace environment and took many
hours, and several washings, before attending hospital; also, in the UK 999
gets you to all the emergency services.
Richard
(Southampton UK)
>A note about amputation in Hydrofluoric acid (HF) exposure,
>
> HF poisoning is a very real threat if you are exposed, but don't get too
>upset about it quickly. I have treated two victims of HF exposure, and
the
>outcome was not as severe as the two cases in the UK. The following are
>the procedures for first aid in exposure.
> 1. Remove the source of exposure. Brush it off with a DRY bandage. HF
is
>more effective when diluted in water, and if you put more water into a
>diluted mixture, you will spread it around. This is different from the
>usual chemical burn treatment. Also, be careful what you do with the used
>dressings-they are soaked in HF, and should not be directly handled.
Cover
>the area of exposure with a dry sterile dressing. Call 911, or otherwise
>get yourself to an emergency room or center. If you can, bring a sample
to
>confirm the presence of HF. I don't remember any particular smell or
color
>with the substance, so be careful if you suspect it is around.
> 2. When you get to the ER, you are going to get an IV, and then they are
>going to cover the burn area with Calcium Gluconate, in a 10-25% solution.
>If judged more severe, they will inject it directly into the effected
>areas. Calcium Gluconate chelates the Fluorine ions, stopping them from
>interrupting organic molecules. Remember that early suspicion or
>recognition are the key to preventing tissue death. What probably cost
the
>two gentlemen in the UK their fingers was the lag time before their
doctors
>knew they were exposed.
> 3. My public health plug for the day. Have a first aid kit on board
>every vehicle you own and know how to use it. The military does that for
a
>reason.
>Learn CPR, especially for children. And get out and exercise, so I don't
>have to give myself a heart attack driving to save you from yours.
>
>John K. Seidts, Paramedic Instructor, former Special Forces Medic
>
>john@astory.com
>http://www.astory.com
===
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