1 Remove sting
2Treat wound
1 Reduce swelling
2Summon help
ANIMAL AND TICK BITES • INSECT AND SCORPION STINGS
Insect and scorpion stings
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Bee, wasp, and hornet stings are painful but are not usually life-threatening. There may be a sharp pain followed by temporary swelling, soreness, and itching. Your aims are to watch out for signs of anaphylactic shock, to remove the stinger, to dress the wound, and to reduce swelling. Scorpion stings can be lifethreatening and need urgent medical attention.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Stinger stuck in skin
• Swollen red area
• Localized pain
TREATING STINGS IN THE SKIN
1 Remove sting
• If there is a stinger in the wound, gently scrape it off with your fingernail or a credit card.
• Do not grasp the venom sac with your fingers or tweezers because pressure on the sac may inject more venom into the victim.
Scrape in the opposite direction to entry
2Treat wound
• Wash the injured area with soap and water, and pat dry.
• Cover the wound area with an adhesive dressing.
• Apply a cold compress on top of the adhesive dressing to reduce pain and swelling.
• Advise the victim to seek medical help if symptoms persist.
! Important
• Dial 911 if the victim has been stung by a scorpion or shows signs of anaphylactic
shock( p. 28).
TREATING STINGS IN THE MOUTH
1 Reduce swelling
• In order to reduce swelling, give the victim a glass of cold water to sip or ice to suck.
Soothe sting with water
2Summon help
• Dial 911 or call EMS.