Bites and stings in australia there are many insects, spiders and snakes that bite and sting. It is important to use the correct first aid treatment for each type of envenomation. Vinegar is often promoted as first aid for jellyfish stings. In most cases you can simply brush the insect away. This cpg provides an overview of bites, stings and envenomation and presents a standardized approach to providers in the evaluation and treatment of patients with animal induced trauma and toxins. There is a range of insects and animals that can transfer disease with varying levels of contact. Check out our selection of insect repellent sprays, towelettes and patches, antiitch gel, poison oak and poison ivy barrier and cleanser, complete insect bite and sting first aid kits, tick pliers, aloe vera lotion, soothe a sting swabs and wipes, and sunscreen. Bites and stings queensland poisons information centre. Most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, causing little more than redness, itching, stinging or minor swelling. Fast facts stinging insects flying insects outdoor workers are at risk of being stung by flying insects bees, wasps, and hornets and fire ants. First aid supplies online offers various products to relieve the itch and pain of insect bites and stings and avoid them completely. Wild animal bites from raccoon, for example and dog or cat bites pets may have themselves been bitten by stray animals because of the risk of contracting rabies.
These tips are based on the 2019 first aid procedures recommended by the american heart association and american red cr. Feb 17, 2018 most reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, causing little more than redness, itching, stinging or minor swelling. First aid for bites and stings baby hints and tips. The majority of problems that require medical attention come from an allergic reaction to the sting. The most common worldwide first aid treatment used by the average lifesaverlifeguard is the treatment of marine envenomation, especially the treatment of jellyfish stings. Ensure that the patients tetanus vaccination is up to date. Large, multiple lymph nodes are present, but no fever or chills. If the pain persists, or blisters become infected, the. If the pain persists, or blisters become infected, the patient should see their local doctor. Scrape the area of the stingbite with a blunt and straight edged object to remove it. Fast facts centers for disease control and prevention. More serious reactions may need immediate medical care.
To take care of an insect bite or sting that causes a mild reaction. You will need different first aid treatment and medical care depending on what type of creature has bitten or stung you. This fact sheet includes advice on basic first aid procedures for common bites and stings only. Find out first aid steps you can take immediately for these stings, symptoms to watch for, and how to avoid getting stung in. Learn here how to give first aid to the victim of a sting or bite. Jun 19, 2018 a stingray sting can be quite painful and may lead to severe symptoms. Change all instances of mcrp 302g, first aid, to mcrp 340a. Bites and stings a 40yearold male presents with right axillary swelling over the past 3 weeks. Snakebites, insect bites or stings can cause intense pain andior swelling. For more information about the first aid courses offered by st john, visit za.
While most stings cause only mild discomfort, some may result in severe allergic reactions that require immediate medical care and may cause death. Remove old pages insert new pages page ii page ii pages 51 and 52 pages 51 through 53. St john accepts no responsibility for its use by individuals or other parties. File this transmittal sheet in the front of this publication. Venomous critter identification, sting symptoms and wound. First aid for bites and stings from land creatures the first aid for bites and stings from land creatures can depend on what type of creature it is. Insect bites and insect sting relief first aid supplies online. Cat bites because of the puncture mechanism of the bite. First aid treatment for mild bites if someone has been bitten by a snake, and you suspect it may be poisonous, help them get emergency medical treatment and follow the steps in the next session. Do apply pressureimmobilisation first aid even if the venom appears to have already got into the bloodstream. A weekend outing can bring you closer to the joys of nature. Stings commonly cause severe burning or fiery pain, hence the name, and also swelling, redness and blistering.
Ideal for snake and spider bites, and mosquito, bee and wasp stings. However, vinegar is only effective for some forms of tropical jellyfish most commonly box jellyfish, and it may actually increase the release of toxin from bluebottle jellyfish, which are the most common jellyfish in new zealand. Contracting disease from a mosquito bite is rare, but it is important to avoid bites to be safe. Some insects also carry disease, such as west nile virus. Treat the area for minor bleeding, swelling, pain, and itching. Acting quickly after being stung by an insect can reduce your risk of a serious reaction. St john recommends attending first aid training courses. Bathing a bee sting with a paste of baking soda and water, they say, will neutralize it. In the midwest and east coast regions of the us, mosquitos, flying insects, and ticks account for most bites. You may know what got you or wonder if a reaction is due to a bite or sting.
Nearly everyone has been bitten or stung by an insect, spider, or snake. Much of our environment appears to be relatively harmless. Do not pinch the stinger or press on the bite as it can inject more venom. Wash the area and apply ice to reduce the swelling.
Symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips and tongue, breathing difficulties or a generalised rash are potentially lifethreatening and require urgent medical attention. You may need to pull fire ants off be sure to check for multiple ants and get rid of all of. According to this wasp sting first aid theory, bathing a wasp sting wound with lemon juice or vinegar should be helpful. Most stings arent fatal, but few insects do carry lifethreatening viruses and diseases, such as west nile virus, zika virus or lyme disease. First aid if a worker is stung by a stinging insect. Jun 14, 2014 if there is an epinephrine first aid kit available administer it to reduce the allergy reaction.
If you suspect that someone may be having a severe reaction. Wash the area with soap and water and apply an antiseptic, if available. Do keep bandages and splints on until the patient reaches medical care. Nov 26, 2012 most insect bites and stings are not poisonous and come from mosquitoes, flies, fleas, spiders, ticks, wasps, bees and beetles. Take extra precautions when wor king outdoors and in places typically inhabited by bugs and bees. Apply an ice pack 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off. If the person lost consciousness check for breathing and apply cpr when necessary until help arrives.
Insect bites and stings are a problem in all regions of the world for people of all ages. For bluebottle and other nontropical jellyfish stings. Medical treatment for bee and wasp stings treating bee and wasp stings depends on their severity. Serious allergic reactions occur in approximately 2 per cent of stings from ants, bees and wasps. Fact sheet avoiding and treating workrelated insect bites. Wherever possible, avoid handling animals that may carry disease and protect against insect stings with insect repellents and appropriate clothing. Rarely, insect bites and stings, such as from a bee, a wasp, a hornet, a fire ant or a scorpion, can result in severe reactions. First aid pdf 224p this book covers the following topics related to emergency medicine. Learn how to treat mild reactions and when to seek emergency medical care. Bites and stings quick guide st john ambulance australia. All care has been taken in preparing this information but st john takes no responsibility for its use. Dog bites because of the crushing mechanism of the bite. Learn to identify such reactions and their culprits and how to treat them appropriately.
For ticks still attached, see the first aid section on tick bites. If severe reactions anaphylaxis are present, these are some symptoms you should. First aid for bites or stings insect stings and animal bites can cause serious problems for the victim. A stingray sting can be quite painful and may lead to severe symptoms. If there is bleeding, allow moderate bleeding of the wound as this helps to cleanse the wound. However australia is home to some of the most venomous creatures in. If blisters are scratched or broken, the area may become infected. Purpose this presentation is based on the jts bites, stings and envenomation cpg, 30 mar 2018 id. First aid quick reference bee and wasp stings treatment most insect stings require no additional medical care. This quick primer on common basic first aid procedures can help get you through a minor crisis, at least until the paramedics arrive or you can get to medical treatment. For mild bites and stings, basic first aid treatment is usually enough. This fact sheet provides information on the basic treatment of common bites and stings in australia. If the skin was broken, get medical help as soon as possible.
Treat stings with general first aid for bites and stings. Fundamental criteria for first aid, basic measures for first aid, first aid for specific injuries, first aid for fractures, first aid for climatic injuries, first aid for bites and stings, first aid in a nuclear, biological and chemical environment, first aid for psychological reactions. Bite and sting first aid kit this first aid kit is developed specifically for treatment of bites and stings. Nov 08, 2018 first aid steps for the insect bites and stings are. If you are bitten or stung by an insect or animal, apply first aid and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. For more information about how to manage bites and stings contact the poisons information centre on 11 26. Director mary dawes of first aid for you offers her tips for dealing with bites and stings and making the process as easy as possible. If you have been stung by a bee or wasp and have previously had a serious allergic reaction, seek medical attention. For any snake bite including sea snakes, funnelweb spider and.
These first aid protocols are for the australian market only. Insect bites, bug bites, insect stings, child and pet safety, animal bites, bites and stings home remedy. First aid for bites and stings serious allergic reactions occur in approximately 2 per cent of stings from ants, bees and wasps. Wash the wound with an antiseptic soap or detergent. Bee sting remove the sting by sliding or scraping your fingernail across it, rather than pulling at it. This poster is not intended as a substitute for first aid training. Most insect bites and stings are relatively minor but can be painful and have serious effects if the casualty has an allergic reaction. Hot water 1 check the water to ensure it is as hot as you can comfortably.
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