Emergency
Health Care
(CAMS 231)
Unit 11
Bites & Stings
Insect Bites & Stings
• Most bites or stings, whether from
mosquitoes, flies, bees, or wasps, result in a
mild reaction to the venom or other protein
that the insect injects into one's body. This
can result in redness, minor swelling, pain,
and itching at the site of the bite or sting.
Insect Bites & Stings
• Some people develop a severe allergic
reaction (anaphylactic reaction) to an
insect sting, often from a bee or wasp. This
reaction may result in:
o
o
o
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abdominal cramps
nausea and vomiting
swelling of the face, lips or throat
hives
breathing problems
shock
Insect Bites & Stings
• If the victim begins experiencing these
symptoms shortly after an insect bite or sting,
call emergency as soon as possible.
• Anaphylactic
reaction
can
be
threatening if not treated promptly.
life-
Insect Bites & Stings
• A client who had a severe reaction to an
insect sting, should request a medication
called epinephrine. Epinephrine is injected
into the muscle through an “auto injector.” It
acts quickly on the body to raise blood
pressure, stimulate heart, and improve
swelling and breathing. It should be carried
with him at all times, but especially when
outdoors.
Insect Bites & Stings
• First Aid Care:
o If the stinger is still in the skin, remove it by
gently scraping across the skin with a flatedged object like a credit card.
o Wash the area with soap and water.
Insect Bites & Stings
• First Aid Care:
o Place a cold compress or an ice pack
(wrapped in a cloth to protect the skin)
on the sting or bite for about 10 minutes to
reduce pain and swelling.
o Apply calamine lotion, an antihistamine
cream, or a paste of baking soda and
water to the area several times a day until
itching and pain are resolved.
Insect Bites & Stings
• First Aid Care:
• If There Are Signs of a Severe Allergic Reaction:
o Ask someone to call for emergency care.
o Ask the person whether he or she carries an epinephrine
injector, and if so, assist him or her to use it according to
label directions.
o Help the person to remain calm and lie quietly with the legs
elevated. If vomiting occurs, turn the person onto his or her
side to prevent choking. Do not give them anything to
drink.
o If the person becomes unconscious and stops breathing,
begin CPR, and continue until medical help arrives.
Spiders
• Most spider bites are harmless. Several
hours to a day after the bite, you may
notice symptoms similar to an insect
sting or bite, such as redness, swelling,
pain, or itching.
Spiders
• First Aid Care:
o First aid care for most spider bites is similar to that of insect
bites and stings.
o Wash the area with soap and water.
o Place a cold compress or an ice pack (wrapped in a cloth
to protect the skin) on the sting or bite for about 10 minutes
to reduce pain and swelling.
o Apply calamine lotion, an antihistamine cream, or a paste
of baking soda and water to the area several times a day
until itching and pain are resolved.
Spiders
• First Aid Care:
o If severe reaction occur:
• Clean the skin with soap and water.
• Help the person remain calm to reduce
the spread of venom.
• Do NOT apply a tourniquet.
• Apply a cold compress or ice pack
wrapped in a cloth to protect the skin.
• Get the victim to medical care as soon
as possible.
Snakes
• While many snakes are harmless, there are a few
common species that can be poisonous and even
deadly.
• Symptoms of a poisonous snake bite vary
depending upon the snake, but can include:
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Weakness
Dizziness
Fainting
Convulsions
Nausea
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Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of muscle coordination
Rapid pulse
Swelling in the area of the bite
Snakes
• A poisonous snake bite is a medical
emergency. Quick treatment can
minimize symptoms and aid in
recovery.
Snakes
• First Aid Care:
o Call medical help immediately.
o Help the person to remain calm and lie quietly.
Movement can spread the venom more rapidly, so
try to keep the body still, especially in the bite area.
o Do not raise the bitten area above the level of the
heart.
o Remove constricting jewelry or clothing around the
bite area, as swelling may occur.
Snakes
• First Aid Care:
• If there are symptoms of shock, such as
dizziness, weakness, pale and clammy
skin, shortness of breath ,and increased
heart rate, have the person lie quietly with
his or her feet elevated about 12 inches.
Cover him or her with a blanket to
maintain body warmth.
Snakes
• First Aid Care:
o Steps NOT to Take:
• Do not endanger yourself by trying to capture the
snake.
• Do not cut or suck the area of the snake bite.
• Do not wash the snake bite (residual venom at the
bite area can help medical personnel to identify
the type of snake for proper treatment).
• Do not apply cold to the bite.
• Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink, or
any pain medication.