Insect bites and stings
Alternative names:
bedbug bite; bee sting; bite - insect; black widow bite;
brown recluse bite; flea bite; honey bee bite; louse bite;
mite bite; scorpion bite; spider bite; tick bite; yellow jacket
bite
First aid:
1. Check the victim's airway, breathing and circulation.
If necessary, begin rescue breathing and CPR.
2. If the victim is having breathing
problems, keep the airway open. Do not let the victim
lie down.
3. Reassure the victim. Try to keep him or her calm as anxiety
will worsen the situation.
4. If the sting is from a honey bee, remove the stinger. Do
not use tweezers since pinching the stinger will cause more
venom to be released.
5. Wash the site with soap and lukewarm water.
6. Cover the site with a clean, cold compress or a clean,
moist dressing to reduce swelling
and discomfort.
7. Remove rings and constricting items because the affected
area may swell.
8. Keep the victim still and place the injured site in a comfortable
position but below the level of the victim's heart.
9. Give first aid for an allergic
reaction if necessary.
10. If appropriate, treat the victim for signs of shock.
Remain with the victim until you get medical help.
11. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, observe the site for signs
of infection (such as increasing redness, swelling, pain).
FOR TICK BITES:
1. Avoid pulling out a tick that is embedded in the skin.
When this happens, often the head is left under the skin.
Instead, try to suffocate the tick by covering it with a substance
like petroleum jelly or mineral oil. If the tick does not
release at once, wait 20 minutes, and then carefully pull
it out with tweezers. Make sure all the parts of the tick
are removed.
2. Clean the area with soap and water.
3. If all the parts of the tick cannot be removed, get medical
help.
4. Watch carefully for the next week or two for signs of Lyme
disease.
Do not:
- DO NOT raise the site of the bites above the level of
the victim's heart.
- DO NOT apply a tourniquet.
- DO NOT give the victim stimulants,
aspirin, or other pain
medication unless prescribed by the doctor.
- DO NOT allow the victim to exercise.
If necessary, carry the victim to safety.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
- the victim is having a severe reaction or the victim
has been stung inside the mouth or throat. Call ahead to
the emergency room so that they can prepare the appropriate
antivenom.
|
