For a chemical burn, how long should you wash the affected area with clean water or sterile normal saline?

For a chemical burn, the recommended duration for washing the affected area with clean water or sterile normal saline is 10-15 minutes. This timeframe is crucial as it allows sufficient exposure to the flushing solution to effectively dilute and remove the harmful chemical substance from the skin or eyes.

Immediate irrigation is vital in minimizing tissue damage and alleviating pain, and many chemicals can continue to cause harm if not thoroughly washed away. The longer exposure to water helps to further reduce the potential for deeper penetration of the chemical and enhances the overall effectiveness of the decontamination process. In this context, 10-15 minutes strikes a balance between ensuring adequate flushing while being practical in an emergency response scenario.