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

To relieve pain from a sea critter sting:
Baking Soda Paste - Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda + 1 part warm
water and apply to sting site until it dries. Scrape off paste with a knife or
credit card to help remove some of the skin. (Note: two other easy pastes
are sand and seawater or flour and seawater. Scrape off as above.)
Urine (Pee) – Again, we know this sounds weird… but pee has a history of
medical applications and can reduce stinging pain. (Unless you have a urinary
tract infection, it will be sterile and at least won’t do any harm!)
SNAKE BITES
According to the FDA and the National Institutes of Health, about 8,000
people in the U.S. are treated for poisonous snake bites each year.
Poisonous snakes have triangular heads, slit-like pupils, and two long fangs
which make puncture wounds at end of each row of teeth. Non-poisonous
snake bites leave two rows of teeth marks but no puncture wounds, but
don’t use bite mark to determine type since swelling may hide wounds.
Things to watch for…
Puncture and/or bite marks
Pain and Swelling
Nausea and puking
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Possible Allergic reaction – Weakness or dizziness;
redness or discoloration at bite; trouble breathing; signs
of shock (pale, cold, drowsy, etc.)
What to do…
• If possible, try to identify type or color of snake but don’t
put yourself in danger!
• Wash bite wound with soap and water.
• Keep bitten body part below heart level, if possible.
• Call emergency number or animal control, if necessary.
If bite is from a Poisonous snake, also do this…
• Remove constrictive items (like rings or watches) since
swelling may occur.
• DO NOT apply tourniquet or ice.
• Monitor breathing and make sure airway is open.
• Keep victim still to slow down circulation of venom.
• DO NOT let victim eat or drink anything or take medication
since it could interfere with emergency treatment.
166 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325