disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

What are YOU gonna do about…
BITES & STINGS
ANIMAL & HUMAN BITES
Americans and Canadians report approximately 5 million bites each year
(mostly from dogs). Both humans and animals carry bacteria and viruses in
their mouths, however, human bites are more dangerous and infectionprone
because people seem to have more reactions to the human bacteria.
Things to watch for…
Puncture or bite marks
Bleeding
Infection - Pain / tenderness, redness, heat, swelling, pus,
red streaks (also read about MRSA on pages 198-199)
Allergic Reaction - Feeling ill, dizzy or trouble breathing
What to do…
• Wash the bite as soon as possible to remove saliva and dirt
from bite wound - use running water and soap or rinse
area with hydrogen peroxide.
• Control bleeding using direct pressure with cloth or gauze.
• Pat dry and cover with sterile bandage, gauze, or cloth -
don’t put cream or gel on wound -- may prevent drainage.
• May want to raise bitten area to reduce swelling or use a
cold pack, bag of frozen peas, or cloth with ice cube in it.
• Call local emergency number or call Animal Control
• Watch for allergic reactions or infection for a few days.
…also…
• Get to a doctor or hospital if bleeding is really bad, if you
think animal could have rabies, or if stitches are required.
INSECT BITES & STINGS
Covering first aid for bites & stings in general, then West Nile Virus.
Things to watch for…
Stinger (Note: honeybees leave a stinger and venom sac)
Puncture or bite mark
Burning pain or Swelling
Allergic Reaction - Pain, itching, hives, redness or
discoloration at site, trouble breathing, signs of shock
(pale, cold, drowsy, etc.)
162 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325