Question

A mother calls regarding her teenage son who has had a chemistry experiment blow up in his face. Which of the following should the mother be instructed to do prior to transporting her son for medical care?

A. Rinse his face and eyes with a salt solution to neutralize the chemicals
B. Cover his facial wounds with a soothing cream such as petroleum
C Rinse his face and eyes with water for at least 15 minutes
D. Place a sterile wet compress over his eyes and face
E. Do nothing until the chemical has been identified by the poison control center

Answer 1

In the event of a chemical explosion, the most crucial first aid step is to rinse the affected teenager's face and eyes with water for no less than 15 minutes to dilute any chemicals, followed by immediate medical attention.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a chemistry experiment has blown up in a teenager's face, the immediate step prior to seeking medical care is to rinse his face and eyes with water for at least 15 minutes. This immediate dilution of the chemicals is critical to prevent further injury and to minimize damage to the eyes and skin.

Using a salt solution or other substances without knowing the chemical involved could potentially react with the contaminant and worsen the situation. Do not apply any creams such as petroleum or other substances as they may trap chemicals against the skin, and identify the chemical if possible, but do not delay initial flushing with water while doing so.

After thorough rinsing, seeking professional medical care is essential, especially if there is any ongoing pain, visual disturbance, or other concerns.