First Aid

Bites and Stings

Bee Sting:

Remove the stinger with sterile gauze, meanwhile avoiding pressure on the affected area or using tweezers.
Wash the affected area with soap and water.
Apply ice packs or cold compress to reduce swelling.
Avoid scratching the sting area. This will worsen itching and swelling and increase your risk of infection.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help ease discomfort.
When swelling moves to other areas of the body, or when the person has breathing difficulty, nausea, or dizziness, s/he should seek emergency immediately; because the person suffers from a severe allergic reaction to bee stings, and must be treated instantly.

A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to bee stings is potentially life-threatening and requires emergency treatment.

Spider Bite:

If you suspect the person has been bitten by a black or red spider, seek medical help or emergency care immediately.

Snake Bite:

Call an ambulance straight away.
Keep the bitten person still and calm, as this can help slow down the spread of venom in the body.
Wash the bite area with soap and water immediately.
Keep the affected area below the heart level to reduce the flow of venom.
Cover the bite with clean gauze.
Avoid touching or pressing the affected area.
Avoid injuring the affected area or sucking poison from it.
Avoid applying ice or soaking the wound in a water.
Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages.

Remember the color and shape of the snake; as this can help with treatment of the snakebite.

Scorpion Sting: