Which of the following is the third step in chemical burn management?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the third step in chemical burn management?

Immediate and sustained irrigation with clean running water is the key action in chemical burn care because it washes away the chemical and limits further tissue damage. After you ensure your own safety and remove clothing contaminated with chemical, flushing the affected area with cool running water for at least 15 minutes (or until EMS arrives) dilutes the chemical, cools the skin, and prevents ongoing injury. This step is prioritized because time matters—the longer the chemical stays on the skin, the more damage it can cause. If a dry chemical remains on the skin, you should brush it off as soon as it’s safe to do so, then continue irrigation. The other actions—wearing protective equipment and removing contaminated clothing—are important safety and exposure-prevention measures, but the act of flushing the burn with water is the essential step for cleansing and limiting damage.

Immediate and sustained irrigation with clean running water is the key action in chemical burn care because it washes away the chemical and limits further tissue damage. After you ensure your own safety and remove clothing contaminated with chemical, flushing the affected area with cool running water for at least 15 minutes (or until EMS arrives) dilutes the chemical, cools the skin, and prevents ongoing injury. This step is prioritized because time matters—the longer the chemical stays on the skin, the more damage it can cause.

If a dry chemical remains on the skin, you should brush it off as soon as it’s safe to do so, then continue irrigation. The other actions—wearing protective equipment and removing contaminated clothing—are important safety and exposure-prevention measures, but the act of flushing the burn with water is the essential step for cleansing and limiting damage.

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