Firefighters give tips on responding to acid attacks

Fire crews from Hackney and Lambeth as well as London Ambulance Service paramedics attended the Metropolitan Police Service-led training exercise which took place at Cargo nightclub in Shoreditch. A crowd of 150 people from local clubs, pubs, hotels and other venues listened as first responders talked about the vital first few moments after an attack has taken place. The following tips were given on What to do after an acid attack:

• Report the incident – dial 999
• Remove contaminated clothing carefully
• Rinse immediately in running water

London Fire Brigade Hackney Borough Commander Rod Vitalis said: “The initial stages after an attack are really key for the victim’s injuries.

“It’s vital to get copious amounts of water on the injuries as soon as possible. The prognosis for their injuries is worse if nothing is done.

“The aim of this demonstration was to show what the emergency services’ involvement is when responding to an attack and to show members of the public what they can do to protect themselves and help others. What to do after an acid attack Report the incident – dial 999 Remove contaminated clothing carefully Rinse immediately in running water

"We also want business owners to develop their own plans on how to respond in the vital minutes after an attack before emergency services arrive. 

After the staged attack had taken place, bouncers were first on the scene to douse the victims in as much water as possible before police, fire and ambulance crews arrived and took over.