BITES AND STINGS

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.