If you splash pesticide in your eyes, what is the immediate first aid response?

Washing the eyes continuously for 15 minutes is the correct immediate first aid response when pesticide splashes into them. This action is crucial because it helps to dilute and remove the harmful chemical from the eyes, minimizing the potential for irritation or damage. The eyes are particularly sensitive, and the immediate flushing with water can help reduce the likelihood of serious injury or long-term effects.

It is recommended to use clean water or saline solution, ensuring that the water flows freely over the eye to wash away the pesticide effectively. During this process, it’s beneficial to keep the eyelids open to allow for thorough rinsing.

Calling 911 is certainly vital if there are severe reactions or if the individual experiences trouble after flushing the eyes, but the first step should always be to remove the chemical from the eyes first. Applying a cold compress may help with comfort but does not address the chemical exposure effectively. Using eye drops could introduce additional substances into the eyes, which might lead to further complications instead of mitigating the effects of the pesticide.