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

What to do…
• Run away from area if there’s a swarm or nest nearby.
• Remove stinger by scraping it away with credit card, long
fingernail or using tweezers. Don’t try to squeeze it out
since this causes more venom to get in the victim.
• Wash wound with soap and water or rinse with hydrogen
peroxide.
• Cover with a bandage or clean cloth and apply ice pack.
• Watch for allergic reactions for a few days (see above).
• Call Fire Department or bee removal expert if needed.
(See WEST NILE VIRUS on next page. TICKS covered on pages 167-168.)
To relieve pain from an insect bite or sting:
Activated charcoal - Make a paste using 2-3 capsules and a small amount
of warm water. Dab paste on sting site and cover with gauze or plastic to
keep it moist. This will help draw out venom so it collects on your skin.
Note, powder makes a black mess but easily wiped off with a towel. (see
FIRST AID KITS in Section 1)
Baking Soda - Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda + 1 part warm water
and apply to the sting site for 15-20 minutes.
Clay mudpack - If in the wilderness, put a mudpack over injury and cover
with bandage or cloth. The mudpack must be a mix of clay-containing soil
since clay is the key element but don’t use if any skin is cracked or broken.
Meat tenderizer - Mixing meat tenderizer (check ingredient list for
“papain”) with warm water and applying to the sting will help break down
insect venom. (Papain is a natural enzyme derived from papaya.)
Urine (Pee) - Another remedy useful in the wilderness sounds totally gross
(but has a history of medical applications in a number of cultures) is urine
(pee) which reduces the stinging pain. (Unless you have a urinary tract
infection, the pee will be sterile and at the least won’t do any harm!)
Some potential pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory remedies:
fresh aloe - break open a leaf or use 96-100% pure aloe gel
lemon juice - from a fresh lemon
vitamin E - oil from a bottle or break open a few gel capsules
store brands - if over-the-counter methods preferred, use
calamine cream or lotion and aspirin or acetaminophen
www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325
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