BITES AND STINGS

ANIMAL AND HUMAN BITES

• Consider whether victim was exposed to rabies.

– Spread through saliva by bite or lick of infected animal
– Animal attacked without provocation.
– Animal was behaving strangely.
– High-risk species
• Animal should be captured or confined for observation whenever possible.
• Report animal bites to police or animal control.

CARE FOR ANIMAL AND HUMAN BITES

• Clean wound with soap and water.

• Flush wound under pressure.
• Control bleeding and cover wound.
• Seek medical care for cleaning, tetanus shot, or rabies vaccination.

SNAKES BITES

• Poisonous species in United States

– Rattlesnake
– Water moccasin
– Coral snake
– Copperhead

RECOGNIZING A PIT VIPER BITE

• Severe burning pain

• Puncture wounds
• Swelling
• Discoloration and blood-filled blisters
• Nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness
CARE FOR VENOMOUS SNAKE BITES

• Get victim and others away from snake.

• Keep victim calm; limit movement.
• Immobilize the area.
• Wash area with soap and water.
• If coral snake bite to a limb:
• Wrap elastic bandage over the limb.
• Seek medical care.

CARE FOR AN INSECT STING

• Remove any stinger and venom sac.

• Wash wound with soap and water.
• Apply ice.
• Apply hydrocortisone cream or antihistamine.
• Watch for signs of severe allergic reaction.
– Assist with prescribed epinephrine auto- injector.
– Call 9-1-1.

SPIDER BITES

• Black widow
– Sharp pinprick, then dull pain
– Two fang marks
– Abdominal pain, headache, fever, dizziness, nausea
• Brown recluse
– Local reaction
– Bull’s-eye pattern
– Headache, fever, weakness, nausea

CARE FOR ALL SPIDER BITES

• Catch spider for identification if possible.

• Wash wound with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
• Apply ice.
• Seek medical care.
SCORPION STINGS

• Recognizing scorpion sting

– Local immediate pain and burning
– Numbness and tingling
• Care for scorpion sting
– Wash wound with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
– Apply ice.
– Seek medical care.