Bites and Stings Flashcards
Signs and symptoms Snake bites
→ Paired puncture marks but can be single or parallel scratches on the skin
→ Headache
→ Altered mental status - including confusion, irritation or unconsciousness
→ abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
→ Double or blurred vision or drooping eyelids
→ Respiratory weakness or respiratory arrest
→ Difficulty in breathing, speaking or swallowing
→ Limb weakness, muscle paralysis
In the bitten limb, swollen and tender glands
Management Snake bites
→ Rest casualty
If bit is found use pressure immobilisation technique and seek medical help
what are Pressure immobilisation technique (PIT)
○ Use broad pressure bandage
○ If bandage is unavailable any thing can be used
○ Start by applying local pressure over the wound with some padding
○ Bandage should be firm and tight enough to prevent easily sliding a finger between but not uncomfortable or painful
○ bandage entire limb
○ Start distally (furthers part from body) and work proximally (closer to body) to reduce swelling
○ Use splint to restrict any movement
○ Keep them as still as possible and ideally bring assistance to them
○ If unresponsive commence CPR
Recommended for all venomous snakes, funnel web spiders, blue ringed octopus and cone shell
Signs and symptoms Red back spider
→ When bitten instant pain at bite site, it becomes swollen and red
→ Strong pain that spreads and increases
→ Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
→ Profuse sweating, particularly at the site of the bite
→ In the bitten limb swollen and tender glans
Treatment for Red back spider
→ Apply cold compression to bite to help reduce swelling and pain for periods of 20 min
→ Rest the casualty and monitor
→ Should be directed to get medical opinion
If pain is persistent or casualty experiences headache, nausea, vomiting and altered state of consciousness go to hospital
Bee sting treatment:
→ Never pull stinger out as more venom will be injected. Try to scrape it side ways from the entry point
→ Apply cold compress to affected area to help reduce swelling and pain for 20min periods
→ If anaphylactic inject adrenalin seek medical attention immediately
Wasps treatment
→ Clean affected area with soap and warm water
→ Apply cold compress to affected area to help reduce swelling and pain for 20min periods
→ Be alert for anaphylaxis signs
Prolonged welling at the site of the sting may respond to antihistamines
Signs and symptoms
Fire ants
→ Small blister firm at site of each sting after several hours
→ Pain, burning and itching at the site
→ Swelling of the stung area
→ In allergic casualties
○ Onset of wheezing and breathing difficulties
○ Facial swelling and hives
○ Rapid pulse
○ Collapse
Treatment Fire ants
→ Calm and reassure casualty
→ Apply cold compress to affected area to help reduce swelling and pain for 20min periods
→ Gently wash infected area with soap and water
→ Leave blisters intact
→ Rest and monitor
If allergic reaction call 000
Signs and symptoms Box Jellyfish
→ Red welts - a variety of skin markings (frosted pattern)
→ Tentacles left on skin
→ Severe pain around the lymph nodes (armpits, groin etc.)
→ Nausea, vomiting, headache
Sudden cardiac arrest or respiratory distress
Treatment Box Jellyfish
→ Carefully and safely remove the casualty from the water
→ Observe DRS ABCD. Call 000 for an ambulance and be ready to perform CPR
→ Flood the affected area with vinegar for 30sec to neutralise the tentacles
→ If vinegar is not available, pick of the tentacles (this is not harmful to the first aider) and rinse the sting well with seawater
→ For pain relied apply the calm & reassure keep under observation
(do not apply or allow fresh water directly to sting because it may activate and fire off undischarged stinging cells)
Signs and symptoms Bluebottle jellyfish
→ Whiplike, red, wavy line on the skin from the tentacle
→ Trails of blue tentacles adhering to the body or limbs
→ Red rash may occur
→ Pain and stinging lasting a number of hours
→ Allergic reactions are possible
Treatment Bluebottle jellyfish
→ Rest the casualty, reassure and keep under observation
→ Clear away the tentacles using sea water them pick off any remaining tentacles
→ Immerse the stung area in hot water for 20min to relieve pain
→ Water should be as hot as the casualty can handle it
→ If hot water fails to relieve it try cold water compress
→ Call 000 if pain persists, stung area is quite large or is in a sensitive area
(don’t rub area stung don’t treat with vinegar)
Cone Shell treatment
→ Same as a snake bite
→ Apply pressure immobilisation technique
DRS ABCD if they stop breathing
Ticks Treatment:
→ If there is no history of allergy immediately remover the tick
→ If the victim has history of allergy the tick must be killed where it is rather than removed
→ If anaphylactic reaction occurs follow the anaphylaxis guideline
→ Follow DRS ABCD contact 000
→ Apply cold pleasure to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain for 20 min
→ Rest casualty remain under observation
Take casualty to doctor to get it removed
