Hydrofluoric Acid (HF)
Quick Reference
What is HF?
A weak acid used in industrial processes such as petroleum refining, semi-conductor production, and metal and glass etching. Stored as an aqueous solution. Boiling point is 19.5℃ with significant toxic vapors produced even below that temperature.
Crew Safety
- Staging/Perimeter
- 50 m. Crew not to approach spills due to toxic vapours.
- Additional Resources
- On-site emergency response or fire department.
- ACP or CCP should attend and transport if available. Pre-notify crew of effect HF on patient.
- PPE requirements
- Rescue requires SCBA and chemical protective clothing.
- Contact with patient prior to decontamination requires chemical protective clothing.
- Safely initiating patient contact
- Patient to be brought to the crew in a safe location, ideally decontaminated first. Crew may coach initial decontamination from a distance.
Effect on the Patient
Fluoride ions form strong bonds with extracellular calcium and magnesium, causing hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesemia which leads to a extracellular Potassium shift, causing hyperkalemia. Local impact is severe pain that is disproportionate to the appearance of the chemical burn. Systemic effects include QTc prolongation, polymorphic ventricular tachycardia, tetany and seizures. Toxic effects may be delayed. Systemic absorption possible from dermal and inhalational exposure. Upper airway irritation may be present.
Patient Decontamination
Gas exposure only: only required decon is of mucous membranes/eyes if irritation is present.
Liquid exposure:
* Remove clothing without pulling over head. Clothes not to be transported with patient.
* EYES TAKE PRECEDENCE. If eyes exposed, flush continuously until hospital handover.
* Flush skin thoroughly with water.
Patient Treatment
* IV Calcium Chloride to treat hyperkalemia and hypocalcaemia if findings suggest treatment needed.
* IV MgSO4 to treat hypomagnesemia if dysrhythmia occurs.
* Other symptom management as per BCEHS CPGs.
Safe Transfer of Care
No secondary contamination concerns if patient has been decontaminated.
Paramedic and Equipment Decontamination
If decontamination was conducted no concern for secondary contamination.
Quick Access Resources
DPIC Monograph
Paramedic Specialist Safety Data Sheet
No SDS available.
Emergency Response Guidebook
Revision History
| Version | Date | Changes | Author |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 2026-05-01 | Initial version | Clinical Hub |