Policies and Procedures Manual Volunteer - Cheekwood Botanical ...

How to remove a tick:- Using a pair of fine tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pullslowly, steadily and firmly. Avoid crushing the tick’s body.-Once removed, clean the area with antiseptic, such as alcohol.-Save the tick in a jar of alcohol or taped to a piece of paper so it can be identified by amedical professional.Other Insects to Watch for:-Yellow jackets often make their nests in holes in the ground.-Bees nest in eaves and corners, especially mud daubers.-Scorpions can be quite small, and like to hide under rocks.-Brown recluse spiders like to hide in shady spaces under windows, in nooks and crannies andin piles of rocks, wood or leaves. Its entire body is brown, except for a dark mark on the bodyin the shape of a violin. If bitten, capture and kill the spider if possible, for later identification.General First Aid for Bites and Stings-Wash bite/sting area well with soap and water.-Place an ice pack or cold compress on the wound intermittently (15 minutes on and 15minutes off). Never place ice directly on the skin.-Elevate and rest the wounded area to decrease swelling. Do not use heat.-If a tetanus vaccination has not been given in the past five to seven years, consult aphysician.-A normal reaction will exhibit a small red area within minutes at site of injury, graduallysurrounded by a whitish and reddish flare. A whelp or raised area may develop which mayitch, be hot to the touch, or irritated. These symptoms usually subside in a few hours.-Look for signs of a severe allergic reaction such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, severeswelling, abdominal cramps, vomiting, dizziness, chest tightness, hoarseness, or bluediscoloration of the lips. If these signs occur, go to an emergency room or consult a physicianimmediately.-Multiple stings/bites, especially to head and neck, may be particularly serious. Consult aphysician immediately.22