How do you care for a chemical splash to the eye on board?

• A. Rub the eye vigorously with a cloth.
• B. Wait and see if symptoms subside.
• C. Place contact lenses back in and rub the eye.
• D. Rinse with clean water or saline for several minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists.

Answer: (D)

Immediate eye irrigation with clean water or saline is the correct first aid step for a chemical splash to the eye. Rinsing dilutes and washes away the chemical, reducing ongoing damage to the eye tissues. Do not rub the eye—rubbing can grind chemical into the cornea and cause further injury or surface scratches. Keep the eye open and flush for several minutes, directing the water from the inner corner toward the outer edge to avoid contaminating the other eye. If the person wears contact lenses, remove them if it’s safe to do so. After rinsing, seek medical attention if irritation persists or if there’s continued pain, vision change, or redness. On board, use available clean water or saline from the aircraft kit or lavatory supply and alert crew to obtain medical guidance or transport for evaluation if needed.