STINGS AND BITES- Irukandji jellyfish, blue bottles, blue-ringed octopus, stone fish
What is a sting/bite?
A sting/bite is usually a small painful wound caused by the thrust of an insect's stinger into skin). Most of the time, there is a small reaction that is confined to the area of the bite (localised reactions).
A sting/bite is usually a small painful wound caused by the thrust of an insect's stinger into skin). Most of the time, there is a small reaction that is confined to the area of the bite (localised reactions).
Signs and symptoms of a sting/bite:
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What First Aid/Treatment could I give someone suffering from a sting or bite?
There are a variety of treatments for stings and bites since people react differently, however in an event of an emergency, it is wise to follow these guidelines.
Is it necessary to apply pressure?
Usually, the pressure immobilisation method is useful for some bites and stings, however there are a few exceptions.
There are a variety of treatments for stings and bites since people react differently, however in an event of an emergency, it is wise to follow these guidelines.
Is it necessary to apply pressure?
Usually, the pressure immobilisation method is useful for some bites and stings, however there are a few exceptions.
YES:
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NO:
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It is not necessary to tourniquet or cut bites or stings
Do not cut off the blood circulation by tying the area of the wound. Although this may prevent the venom from spreading, it may cause further issues (e.g. unwanted blood clots). Also, do not cut or suck the venom as this may cause further issues.
Do not cut off the blood circulation by tying the area of the wound. Although this may prevent the venom from spreading, it may cause further issues (e.g. unwanted blood clots). Also, do not cut or suck the venom as this may cause further issues.
Land creatures:
Bee sting: First remove the sting with your fingernails and then immediately wash the area of pain. To further reduce the swelling, apply an icepack. If the person has an allergy to bee stings, use their epi-pen.
Funnel Web Spider bite: Bandage the wound firmly with a pressure immobilisation bandage. Use a second bandage to wrap the arm or leg and splint the affected limb.
Red-Back Spider bite: Cleanse the affected area and numb the pain with an icepack. Do not bandage the area.
Snake bite: Don’t wash the skin, as traces of venom left behind may be needed by medical personnel to identify the snake. Use a pressure immobilisation bandage and splint the limb. Make sure your bandaging doesn’t restrict their breathing.
Tick bite: Use tweezers to remove the tick if it has burrowed in your skin. Wash the site with warm soapy water and then cover it with a simple bandaid for at lest 24 hours. Do not use methylated spirits as this may irritate the tick causing it to inject more poison.
Wasp sting: Clean the affected area with warm soapy water followed by an icepack to reduce swelling and pain.
Sea creatures:
Blue-ringed Octopus sting: This bite may cause paralysis, therefore you may need to commence CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Even if your efforts seem futile, continue CPR until medical help arrives. At all times apply pressure.
Box Jellyfish sting: Pour vinegar over the sting and then immobilise the limb. After doing this, bandage the wound firmly. You may need to commence CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Jellyfish sting: Wash the sting with cold water. To further numb the pain, use icepacks or anaesthetic cream.
Stonefish sting: Keep the affected area in warm water until the pain begins to minimise.
Bee sting: First remove the sting with your fingernails and then immediately wash the area of pain. To further reduce the swelling, apply an icepack. If the person has an allergy to bee stings, use their epi-pen.
Funnel Web Spider bite: Bandage the wound firmly with a pressure immobilisation bandage. Use a second bandage to wrap the arm or leg and splint the affected limb.
Red-Back Spider bite: Cleanse the affected area and numb the pain with an icepack. Do not bandage the area.
Snake bite: Don’t wash the skin, as traces of venom left behind may be needed by medical personnel to identify the snake. Use a pressure immobilisation bandage and splint the limb. Make sure your bandaging doesn’t restrict their breathing.
Tick bite: Use tweezers to remove the tick if it has burrowed in your skin. Wash the site with warm soapy water and then cover it with a simple bandaid for at lest 24 hours. Do not use methylated spirits as this may irritate the tick causing it to inject more poison.
Wasp sting: Clean the affected area with warm soapy water followed by an icepack to reduce swelling and pain.
Sea creatures:
Blue-ringed Octopus sting: This bite may cause paralysis, therefore you may need to commence CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Even if your efforts seem futile, continue CPR until medical help arrives. At all times apply pressure.
Box Jellyfish sting: Pour vinegar over the sting and then immobilise the limb. After doing this, bandage the wound firmly. You may need to commence CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).
Jellyfish sting: Wash the sting with cold water. To further numb the pain, use icepacks or anaesthetic cream.
Stonefish sting: Keep the affected area in warm water until the pain begins to minimise.