Is first aid typically necessary for lacrimators?

First aid is generally not necessary for lacrimators, which are substances designed to cause temporary irritation to the eyes, typically used in crowd control scenarios like tear gas. The effects of lacrimators are usually brief and self-limiting, often resolving on their own once the person is removed from the exposure and can flush the eyes with water. This is why immediate medical attention is not typically required.

The nature of lacrimator exposure typically allows for basic self-care measures, such as moving away from the source and rinsing the eyes with clean water. The irritative symptoms tend to subside quickly as the chemicals evaporate and the body clears them. Thus, while some discomfort and temporary impairment of vision are expected, they do not usually lead to serious injury requiring first aid.

In contrast, immediate treatment might be necessary for substances that cause more severe reactions or long-lasting effects, distinguishing lacrimators from those more severe cases where first aid would be critical. When considering all users of lacrimators, it's important to note that while the effects can vary based on individual sensitivity, first aid measures remain largely advised only in severe or prolonged instances, which is not the standard scenario for most exposures.