Mountain
Safety
MS 1_8:
FA Basics
(Insects, Bites &
Stings)
Learning Intention:
To equip you with the knowledge to
avoid, recognise and treat insect
bites and stings.
Success Criteria:
By the end of this session everyone should
be able to:
• Describe what steps to take to avoid,
recognise and treat common insect-related
problems in a wilderness environment.
Some of you may be able to:
• Describe the symptoms of Lyme Disease
and anaphylaxis.
Activities:
1. Discussion/Powerpoint:
- Insect problems
- What can I do to avoid them?
- How should you treat them?
2. Video: Tick removal
What are the
likely insect
problems in
Scotland?
• Midges: mostly a
nuisance, rarely a medical
issue;
• Bees & wasps: very rare
to get stung;
• Ticks: carry disease
Midges
How to avoid midges
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cover up skin
Wear insect repellent
Keep on the move
Wear a head net when stationary
Stay in a breeze
Smoke (!)
Do not camp near still water (lochs, boggy
ground) where they gather and breed
• Wash pots and do not leave food waste
Midge Bites
How to treat a midge bite
• Annoying – only usually a health issue where
there are multiple bites
• Apply anti-histamine cream
• Do not scratch
Bee & Wasp
Stings
• Rare, especially in upland areas
• Painful, but not generally dangerous
• Bee stings are best removed with
tweezers
• Not generally dangerous, but a few
people can have an anaphylactic
reaction…
Anaphylaxis
• AN EXTREME ALLERGIC REACTION
• Swelling, especially around the mouth and
eyes
• Sufferers should carry medication, often in
the form of a self-injecting needle or ‘pen’
• Anaphylaxis can be a MEDICAL
EMERGENCY, if it threatens the airway
• Evacuate to hospital IMMEDIATELY
Ticks
TICKS
• Common in some woodland
• Attach themselves painlessly to passing
mammals
• You will not find them unless you check
yourself
• Some ticks can carry Lyme Disease
Video: How to remove a Tick
Lyme Disease:
• ‘Bulls-eye’ rash
• Flu-like symptoms
• Arthritis & death
• See a doctor
Questions?