First Aid 101: How to Treat Bites and Stings
Would you know how to treat a Scorpion sting should you encounter such an event? Today I will be giving you First Aid 101: how to treat bites and stings. It will be just basic information to help perverse the life of a person while waiting for the qualified person attend to the injured person.
On our First Aid 101 I will be addressing the following: scorpion stings, spider bites, snake bites and bee stings. We will cover the basic signs, symptoms and treatment for each.
Bee Stings
This is the most dangerous and result in more deaths, because people who are stung are allergic to bee stings. You are advised to squeeze the poison sac left after you are stung as this will force the poison into your body.
Symptoms and Treatment
If you are stung by a bee you may have difficulty in talking and breathing due to the swelling in the throat. Rash and itchiness may occur.
Take the person to the hospital immediately, while monitoring their vital signs. Only do Rescue breathing if necessary.
Scorpion Stings
These stings they are believed to cause the most intense pain and Scorpions only sting when they are disturbed.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms may include excessive sweating and rapid pulse. The stings pain may last up to 30 minutes. The person can get convulsions and it is rare that the victim may experience breathing problems.
To treat a Scorpion, sting you need to freeze the area of the bite for 1-2 hours but this must be done within 15 minutes of the sting. Keep the patient clam always, monitor their vital signs and remember to transport to the hospital as a matter of urgency.
Snake Bites
Snake bites are classified into three categories and this is in effect they have on the body after being bitten and they are:
Causing local tissue damage: for example, Adder causes tissue damage at the site of the bite.
Effecting blood clotting: Boomslang (more dangerous because there is still no antidote)
Affecting the nervous system: for examples Mambas, Cobras and Ringhals. Causes muscle weakness and difficulty in swallowing.
Treatment
Try to keep the patient clam because increased heart rate increases the absorption rate of the venom. Wipe the venom from the wound.
Wrap the bitten limb with a broader bandage from the starting point to the position as possible. Transport the patient to the hospital as soon as possible while keeping the patient stable.
Spider Bites
I have a huge spider phobia I cannot stand them. In South Africa, the most common spider bites are Button Spiders. The black widow spider’s venom is far more dangerous.
Symptoms and Treatment
The symptoms include difficulty in breathing, sweating and nausea. Chest pain like that of a heart attack and death in children.
When treating the patient call for help as quickly as possible, monitor vital signs and keep the patient calm and perform CPR if needed.
That is all we have today on our First Aid 101: How to treat bites and stings.
36 Comments
Nadalie
Thanks Moipone,
This is sooo helpful! Granted I am not excited that warmer weather = all the bugs being back to bite me.
Luckily I just found my stash of anti-itch cream in my car’s glove compartment. I guess I’m prepared!
– Nadalie
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Nadalie
I also hate bugs especially itching. Glad you found your stash to fight against the itch. ☺
Thank for visiting and reading
Divya
This is definitely helpful information here. We go hiking a lot and come across situations like this more often than the norm. Thanks for the advice
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Divya
Glad I can share. Thank you for reading.
Celine
Always nice to read! Love all this information. Going to save this for later when it comes in handy.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Celine
Thank you for reading and happy to hear your find the info useful☺
Ravi
This is important to know first aid information. Thanks for sharing.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Ravi
Its my pleasure to share what was shared with me.
Blair villanueva
Thank you for sharing these info. Very helpful for me. Especially am living alone, i must be well equipped with these info.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Blair
Its better to be prepared with knowledge. Life is about learning something new everyday. Thanks for reading
Amber Myers
I will keep these in mind. My daughter is always outside so I know she’ll be bitten by something. She has been stung before!
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Amber
Being a mom you can never know too much. Especially first aid things
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
These are such good things to know! I live in the desert in Arizona, and we have snakes, scorpions, spiders, and bees, too. Thank you for sharing these important reminders.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Patricia
Arizona sounds very interesting. Glad to share
Ana Ojha
This post is very informative for everyone like us who are fond of hiking! You never know when this kind of circumstances may occur!
Marisa
So glad you shared this info… You never know what to do until it happens, I’m so glad I read this now! Before its too late and I panic!! thank you!
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Marisa
Yes I am also guilty of leaving things to late and having anxiety.
Glad to share☺
Amrita
The snake bite first aid tips ,I need to further research.A very nice idea to suggest first aid info you need while hiking.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Amrita
Absolutely research some more to be more informed.
Thank you for reading
Melissa
This is very helpful information! Thank you so much! Do you have any tips for bed bug bites?
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi
I use Tea Tree oil, apply it with earbud….
Crystal Green
This an informative post. It is definitely ideal to have on hand for this time of year. Thank you for sharing such a valuable resource.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Crystal
I am glad to share and you are welcome ☺
Shopgirl Anonymous
Gah my husband is like a walking First Aid encyclopedia when it comes to these occasions. Will have to keep this for personal reference to use when he isn’t around. 😉
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hahah yes true show.
Tasheena @ SimplyTasheena.com
This is very helpful information. My son is always outside so knowing this information is really handy.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Yes Tasheena as mommies we have to continue learning and our little explorers keep us on our toes. ☺
eazynazy
This is really very helpful post , am gonna share it in my circle
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi
Thank you
David Elliott
This is such great information and scary at all the same time. Thankfully I have only had to deal with simple bug bites and not major ones like scorpions or snake bites.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi David
Its very scary when you read such information. Thank you for reading☺
OvenStruck
This is a very informative post. It’s that time of year where you are thinking about all the creepy crawlies! lol I was always taught NOT to squeeze the venom sac from a bee sting rather use a credit card or thumbnail and get it out (along with the barb if it’s a honey bee) I only know that because although I love honeybees they scare me! Haha
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Sally
Yes very true about using the credit card to scrap of the venom. ☺
Ima
Wow, this was definitely informative.
I’ve heard a lot about the black widow spider, rather frightening just thinking about it.
Moipone Tsoka- Islam
Hi Ima
Yes its really. Glad to share
Deimarys
This tips are a definitely must have now that summer it’s around the corner. Bites and stings are definitely a summer trend!!!