Bites and Stings Flashcards
How do you care for an insect sting?
To care for an insect sting, examine the sting site to see if the stinger (if there is one) is in the skin. Remove the stinger if it is still present as quickly as possible by any means.
After removing the stinger, wash the wound with soap and water and cover the site with a dressing to keep the wound clean.
Apply a cold back to the site to reduce pain and swelling.
Watch the person for signs and symptoms of a severe allergic reaction— shortness of breath; swelling of the face, neck or tongue; rash or hives, signs and symptoms of shock or a tight feeling in the chest and throat.
Care for life-threatening conditions, if present.
Monitor the person’s condition, look for changes in the person’s level of consciousness and keep the person comfortable.
What are some signs and symptoms of a marine life sting?
The stings of some forms of marine life not only are painful, but they can make the person feel sick, and in some parts of the world, they can be fatal.
The side effects of a sting from an aquatic creature can include allergic reactions that can cause breathing and heart problems, as well as paralysis and death. If the sting occurs in water, the person should be moved to dry land as soon as possible
When would emergency care be necessary for a person who has been stung by a jellyfish?
o If the person was stung by a lethal jellyfish
o If cause of the sting is unknown.
o If the person has a history of allergic reactions to stings from aquatic life.
o If the person has been stung on the face or neck.
o If the person starts to have difficulty breathing.
How do you deactivate the stingers/tentacles for most types of jellyfish in most waters in the United States?
To deactivate the stingers/tentacles for most types of jellyfish in most waters in the United States:
o Remove any remaining tentacles with gloved hands, a towel or the pads of your fingers.
o Flush the injured part in salt water (sea water) as soon as possible for at least 30 seconds to offset the toxin. Do not rub the wound or apply fresh water, ammonia, rubbing alcohol, vinegar or baking soda, because these substances may increase pain.
o Then use hot-water immersion (as hot as can be tolerated) for at least 20 minutes, or until pain is relieved. If hot water is not available, dry hot packs or, as a second choice, dry cold packs also may be helpful in decreasing pain. Do not apply a pressure immobilization bandage
When caring for a person with an animal or human bite, what guidelines should you follow?
When caring for a person with an animal or human bite, follow these guidelines:
o Summon more advanced medical personnel if the wound bleeds severely, or if the animal is suspected to have rabies.
o For severe bleeding, control the bleeding first. Do not clean the wound; it will be properly cleaned at the hospital.
KEY REMINDERS
An animal or human bite may be serious because of the nature of the wound and risk of infection.
A person who is bitten by an animal should be removed from the situation, if possible, but only without endangering yourself or others.
Never attempt to restrain or capture the animal.
Tetanus and rabies immunizations may be necessary, so it is vital to report bites from any wild or unknown domestic animal to the local health department or other agency, according to local protocols.
