Acid attacks: Broadening the multidisciplinary team to improve outcomes

A rise in the current trend of corrosive substance attacks have been reported in the UK, causing devastating effects on victims. The optimal management of these patients requires the specialist skills of the burn multidisciplinary team (MDT) to address the resulting physical and psychological trauma experienced. However, burn care must commence in the pre-hospital setting. The public and first responders are invaluable resources in helping to limit the adverse effects of burns. Challenges of burn care outside the Burns Unit are not limited to the treatment of the injured patient and the rehabilitation of survivors. These challenges also encompass better education of the public and allied health professionals, as well as planning strategies to reduce the incidence of acid attacks. Prevention is always better than cure. This paper discusses the broadening of the MDT to improve outcomes in acid attacks by exploring the wider roles of the public, media, emergency services, police, legislation and better education.