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Bites:
Insect, Marine, Animal and Human
Insect Bites:
Signs and Symptoms:
- Stinger may be present
- Pain at the sting site
- Swelling or redness
- Possible allergic reaction, i.e., anaphylactic shock.
Treatment:
- Remove stinger - scrape it away or use
tweezers
- Wash wound
- Cover
- Apply a cold pack
- Watch for signals of allergic reaction,
i.e., anaphylactic shock.
Spider/Scorpion Bite/Sting:
Signs and Symptoms:
- Bite mark
- Swelling
- Pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
Treatment:
- Wash wound
- Apply a cold pack
- Get medical care to receive antivenom
- Call an Ambulance.
Snake Bites:
Signs and Symptoms:
Treatment:
- Wash wound
- Keep bitten part still and lower than the
heart
- Call an Ambulance .
Animal and Human Bites:
Signs and Symptoms:
Treatment:
- Control bleeding
- If bleeding is minor, wash area with soapy
water. Then hold under tepid water for five minutes.
- Dry the area, apply antibiotic ointment
and cover with sterile unmediated dressing.
- A course of tetanus injections is strongly
recommended.
- If severely bitten, seek medical help,
i.e., call an Ambulance.
The incident should also be reported
to the Police.
Rabies:
Rabies is a potentially fatal condition spread by the saliva of infected animals. If you
suspect the bite has come from a rabid dog, the casualty should be removed to hospital
immediately. Report the incident to the Police, Health Board Community Care Team, Animal
Control personnel and the Department of Agriculture who have a contingency plan for a
rabies outbreak. To confirm or exclude rabies, an animal must be medically examined,
preferably alive. |
