DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

What are YOU gonna do about…BITES & STINGS?ANIMAL & HUMAN BITESAmericans and Canadians report approximately 5 million bites each year(mostly from dogs). Both humans and animals carry bacteria and viruses intheir mouths, however, human bites are more dangerous and infectionpronebecause people seem to have more reactions to the human bacteria.Things to watch for…Puncture or bite marksBleedingInfection - Pain / tenderness, redness, heat, swelling, pus,red streaks (also read about MRSA on pages 198-199)Allergic Reaction - Feeling ill, dizzy or trouble breathingWhat to do…• Wash the bite as soon as possible to remove saliva and dirtfrom bite wound - use running water and soap or rinsearea 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 acold 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 youthink animal could have rabies, or if stitches are required.INSECT BITES & STINGSCovering 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 markBurning pain or SwellingAllergic Reaction - Pain, itching, hives, redness ordiscoloration at site, trouble breathing, signs of shock(pale, cold, drowsy, etc.)162 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325