Jump Starter What has been your, a family member, or friend’s worst bite or sting experience from an insect or animal?

First Aid: Bites and Stings

Signs of Common Bites and Stings Minor Reactions Less severe reactions of bites and stings may trigger signals: A bite or sting mark A stinger, tentacle or venom sac Redness Swelling Pain or tenderness Severe reactions -result in “Anaphylaxis”

Reactions depend on: The type and location of the bite or sting. The amount of poison injected. The time elapsed since the poisoning. The victim’s size, weight, medical condition and age.

Care for Insects Stings To give care for an insect sting— Examine the sting site. Remove stinger with credit card. Wash the area with soap and water and cover the site. Apply ice or a cold pack. Observe the victim for signals of allergic reaction. * Epipen may be needed if history of reactions

Signs of Tick Bites Lyme disease: bacterial infection spread through tick bites. General signs: Rash Fever Chills Severe headache Joint and muscle aches

Tick Bites on Animals

Prevention of Tick Bites Wear repellent and proper clothing. Check and clean your clothes thoroughly after having been in wooded areas. Use precautions when removing a tick.

Care for Tick Bites Remove the tick with pointy tweezers. Wash the bite area with soap and water. Apply antiseptic or antibiotic ointment. Wash your hands.

Domestic and Wild Animals Rabies: deadly viral infection spread by animals Tetanus: infection of nervous system with potentially deadly bacteria

Signs of Tetanus and Rabies: - irritability - headache -fever -painful muscular spasms -muscular stiffness in the jaw

Care for Animal Bites Try to get the person safely away from the animal. Minor wounds Wash the wound with soap and water. Control bleeding. Apply a dressing & seek medical care.

Severe Wounds Control the bleeding. Seek medical care immediately. Contact animal control authorities.

Preventing Insect Bites and Stings Follow these general guidelines to prevent bites and stings: Apply repellent. Wear sturdy boots. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Tuck pant legs into socks or boots and tuck shirt into pants. Wear light-colored clothing.

Prevention continued: Inspect yourself carefully after being outdoors. Shower immediately after coming indoors. Keep an eye out for and avoid nests. Spray pets that go outdoors with repellent. Stay in the middle of trails when hiking.

Preventing Animal Bites and Stings To prevent stings from marine animals, you might consider wearing a wet suit or protective footwear in the water. To prevent dog bites— Do not run past a dog. Avoid eye contact, try to remain motionless. Do not approach a strange dog. Always let a dog see and sniff you before you pet the animal.

What steps should you take to help your sibling? Scenarios You see your little brother or sister was just out playing in the yard. They complain of pain on their arm and you notice a tick on their skin. What steps should you take to help your sibling?

Scenarios You are walking down the sidewalk and coming towards you is a woman and her dog. The dog looks friendly and the woman says hello. What should your next step be?

Scenarios