Bites and stings can
occur from a wide variety of insects, reptiles, animals, and even humans. Most are
not serious and cause only minor swelling, redness, pain, and itching.
In general, care for
bites and stings by washing the site with soap and water. As a precaution,
always remove jewelry from the affected area. Apply an antibiotic ointment and
covert the area with an adhesive bandage or pad. Except for snakebites, use
local cooling to reduce swelling and pain.
Some bites and stings
are more serious and can benefit from first aid care. This is especially true
for individuals who are very young or old, or have existing medical issues. Venomous
bites and stings inject venom, or poison, into the body. Focus on slowing the
absorption of venom into the body and quickly activating the EMS system for
specialized treatment.
HUMAN AND ANIMAL BITES
Human and animal bites
can cause significant injury and bacterial infection. Bites from animals such
as raccoons, skunks, bats, and foxes can also cause rabies. Left untreated,
rabies is fatal.
Control any bleeding with direct pressure. Wash the
bite and flush with large amounts of water. Seek professional medical
attention.
TICK BITES
Ticks are blood-feeding
insects that are typically found in tall grass and shrubs. The biggest concern
with tick bites is the exposure and transmission of infectious diseases.
When a tick bites, it attaches
itself firmly to the skin. To remove it, grasp it close to the skin with tweezers
or a tick removal tool. Pull straight up with a steady, slow motion. If portions
of the tick remain in the skin, seek further medical attention.
Do not use fingernail
polish, petroleum jelly, a glowing hot match, or alcohol to remove a tick. These
actions have no prove value and may cause additional problems.
SPIDER BITE
Spiders typically
inhabit out of the way places such as wood piles or outbuildings. There are
certain spiders that can be dangerous to humans. This includes the black widow
and the brown recluse.
Initially, venomous
spider bites are often difficult to identify. Small puncture marks and bleeding
may be seen. Tenderness, swelling, pain, itchiness, and redness at the bite
site can develop. Over time, cramping, pain and muscular rigidity in the body
may occur. A person may experience fever, weakness, nausea and vomiting, or difficulty
breathing.
If you suspect a severe
reaction from spider bite may be occurring, activate EMS. Keep the person warm,
reassured, and quiet.
SNAKEBITES
Pit Vipers
Venomous pit vipers,
such as cottonmouths, copperheads, and rattlesnakes strike once and leave a characteristic
bite with single or double fang marks. Pit viper bites can cause an intense,
burning pain and local swelling. Swelling may involve the entire limb within
hours.
If you suspect a Pit
viper bite, have the person sit still and activate EMS. Control any bleeding
with a clean pad and direct pressure. Immobilize the injured part and keep it
below heart level.
Coral Snake
A venomous Coral snake
bite is different than one from a Pit viper. Coral snakes “chew” with fixed
fangs. Pain and swelling at the bite site may be minimal or absent. Serious effects
are often delayed and can include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, rapid
heartbeat, difficulty breathing, drooling, and an altered mental state.
If you suspect a Coral
snake bite, have the person sit still and activate EMS. To slow venom spread,
apply a pressure bandage around the entire length of the bitten extremity. Wrap
towards the body. The bandage should be snug, but not so tight that you can’t
slip a finger under it. Immobilize the injured part and keep it below heart
level. Keep the person warm, reassured, and quiet. Move the person only if
needed.
When caring for snakebite,
do not apply local cooling. Do not cut through a snakebite wound, apply
suctioning, or use a tourniquet. These treatments are not effective and may be
harmful.
STINGING INSECTS
Stinging insects such
as bees, wasps, and fire ants are normally passive except when in defense of
their nests or territories. While wasps and fire ants can sting repeatedly, the
stinger of a honey bee detaches from its body, remains embedded in the skin,
and continues to inject venom. If a stinger is present in the skin, quickly
remove it.
It is possible for a life-threatening
allergic reaction to arise. Monitor the person for at least 30 minutes to see
if her condition worsens. If the person carries a prescribed epinephrine
auto-injector, assist the person with using it.
Bibliography
MEDIC First Aid International, Inc. (2010). BasicPlus
CPR, AED and First Aid for Adult Student Guide. USA: MEDIC First Aid.
