OasisLMS

Describe hydrofluoric acid and explain why it can cause severe injury despite being classified chemically as a weak acid.

Identify common occupational, industrial, laboratory, automotive, and fire-related environments where hydrofluoric acid or hydrogen fluoride may be encountered.

Explain the pathophysiology of HF toxicity, including deep tissue penetration, fluoride binding to calcium and magnesium, and the development of potentially life-threatening electrolyte abnormalities and dysrhythmias.

Recognize the clinical features of dermal, ocular, inhalational, and ingestion exposures, including delayed pain, pain out of proportion to visible injury, and signs of systemic toxicity.

Explain why rapid decontamination is a critical medical intervention and describe appropriate decontamination priorities for HF exposures.

Apply the SSM HF/Lithium Battery Exposure protocol to select appropriate prehospital treatment, including topical, nebulized, and systemic calcium therapy when indicated.

Identify ECG and clinical findings that may indicate systemic fluoride toxicity, including hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, hyperkalemia, and developing cardiac instability.

Differentiate between analgesic treatment of HF-associated pain and calcium therapy directed at the underlying fluoride toxicity.