If the victim is a contact lens wearer and the lenses cannot be removed immediately after exposure to a harmful substance, what should you do?

When dealing with a contact lens wearer who has been exposed to a harmful substance, washing the eyes is crucial to remove the irritant. Washing for one minute before attempting to remove the lenses is essential, as it can begin to dilute and wash away the harmful substance. This initial flushing helps reduce the concentration of the toxic material on the eye surface.

After completing this first minute of washing, removing the lenses allows for more effective removal of the irritant that may be trapped under the lens. Continuing to rinse the eyes for a total of 15 minutes ensures that any remaining harmful substances are adequately flushed out. This method prioritizes both immediate and ongoing care for the eye to minimize potential damage.

While other options may address the situation, they do not provide the immediate care necessary for someone experiencing exposure to harmful substances while wearing contact lenses. For example, immediately removing the lenses without prior washing could trap the substance against the eye, and inducing vomiting is unrelated and potentially harmful in this context. Contacting a medical professional may be necessary afterward, but quick action by rinsing the eyes effectively is the immediate priority in this scenario.