New help for acid attack victims following recent rise in demand for NHS help

The NHS and leading burns surgeons have today issued new first aid guidance to help ensure victims of acid attacks get the right help fast.

The assistance for victims comes as new data from NHS England show the number of people requiring specialist medical help for this type of assault is on the rise.

In 2014, 16 people required specialist medical advice, rising to 25 in 2015 and increasing further to 32 last year. The level of demand for specialist burns help so far in 2017 suggests there will be another rise in patient numbers this year, according to NHS England.

Corrosive substances

So-called ‘acid attacks’, where corrosive substances are used as part of a violent assault or robbery, have become increasingly prominent, with a series of high-profile incidents this year.

As well as significant harm caused to individuals, the NHS estimates that the average cost of care for a victim requiring specialist burns treatment, eye care, rehabilitation and mental health treatment is £34,500.

NHS England, in partnership with the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) has put together guidance on the urgent steps a victim or witness can take to help reduce the immediate pain and damage, and long-term injuries. It also includes support to victims as well as friends or family of people affected by burns.

Front-line services

NHS England has also partnered with a number of organisations, including police forces, ambulance services and the Royal College of Surgeons to ensure this advice is shared with front-line public service people who are often first on the scene. 

The guidance – Report, Remove, Rinse – has been developed with specialist BAPRAS burns and trauma surgeons, who have treated victims of these attacks.

While the overall number of people affected by this type of attack remains low, the public are advised to take three simple steps in the event they witness or are victim of an attack: 

• Report the attack: dial 999.
• Remove contaminated clothing carefully.
• Rinse skin immediately in running water.

Burns unit

A burns unit serving patients from London and the South East, has seen a substantial increase in the number of people it has helped this year who have been affected by this type of assault.

In 2016 the St Andrew’s Burns Centre saw 20 people who required admission because of the most serious effects of acid or corrosive burns, a similar number who were treated there over the previous 15 years put together. The centre is on course to deliver help to more than 30 people in 2017.

People assaulted with corrosive substances such as acid are likely to need a range of different care after the emergency response. This could include therapy, specialist burns treatment and in some instances eye or plastic and reconstructive surgery.

This new guidance is designed to help people to understand easily what help is available from the NHS. The guidance also offers help to victims’ relatives, who can help people cope with the trauma that can follow an attack. 

‘Cowardly attacks’

Chris Moran, national clinical director for trauma at NHS England, said: ‘While this type of criminal assault remains rare, the NHS is caring for an increasing number of people who have fallen victim to these cowardly attacks.

‘So-called acid attacks are medical emergencies and people should immediately dial 999. We are issuing guidance today that sets out clearly and simply how people can help themselves and others in response to attacks.

‘Our guidance will outline what first steps to take in the event of an attack in those crucial minutes before professional clinical help arrives on the scene.'

Further information

• Acid attacks: treating the physical and psychological scars
• Emergency staff need clear guidance on acid attacks