First Aid for Bites and Stings
Treatment of
Superficial Bites
Treatment of a
Sting in the Skin
Treatment of a
Sting in the Mouth
Treatment of
Marine Puncture Wounds
Animals and insects do not usually attack unless injured or
provoked. Many bites and stings
can be prevented by using common sense.
For example, take sensible precautions before attempting to rescue a
casualty from an angry dog or a swarm of bees. Call help or contact the emergency service, if needed.
Insect and marine stings are often minor injuries that can
usually be treated with first aid alone.
However, animal and human bites always require medical attention, as
germs are harboured in the mouths of all animals. Snake bites carry the additional risk of poisoning. In cases of bite wounds, the casualty
must be protected from serious infections such as tetanus and rabies.
Germs are harboured in the mouths of all animals and humans.
Bites from sharp, pointed teeth
cause deep puncture wounds that carry germs deep into the tissues. Human bites also crush the tissues. Serious wounds require hospital
treatment. Any bite in which the
skin is broken requires immediate first aid, followed by medical
attention. These wounds are very
susceptible to infection.
Bee, wasp and hornet stings are usually more painful and
alarming than dangerous. An
initial sharp pain is followed by mild swelling and soreness, which can be
relieved by first aid. However,
some people are allergic to these poisons, and can rapidly develop anaphylactic
shock, a very serious condition.
Multiple stings can have a dangerous cumulative effect. Stings in the mouth or throat, causing
swelling which may obstruct the airway, should be taken very seriously.
Sea creatures can cause various injuries. Jellyfish, Portuguese man-of-war,
corals and sea anemones can cause stings.
Their venom is contained in stinging cells (nematocysts) that stick to
the victim’s skin, and this is released when the cell ruptures. The spines of sea urchins or weever
fish may puncture the skin, if trodden on, and become embedded in the foot,
usually causing a painful local reaction, though serious general effects are
rare. In some parts of the world,
sever degrees of poisoning can occur, giving rise to sever allergic reaction
(anaphylactic shock), or paralysis of the chest muscle. These cases, rarely, may be fatal.
A snake bite is often not a serious injury, but can be very
frightening. It is vital to
reassure the casualty, as the spread of venom by be delayed if the casualty
keeps still and calm. The snake,
or a note of its appearance, should be kept, so that that correct anti-venom
can be given, if necessary. The
police should be notified if an escaped snake remains at large.
DO NOT apply a tourniquet, cut the wound with a knife, or
attempt to suck out the venom.
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