first aid for colleges and universities 10th edition chapter 23 © 2012 pearson education, inc....

First Aid for Colleges and Universities

10th Edition

Chapter 23

© 2012 Pearson Education, Inc.

Bites and Stings

Slide Presentation prepared by

Randall Benner, M.Ed., NREMT-P

Learning Objectives

• Distinguish between poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes.

• List the factors that determine the severity of a pit viper bite.

• List the signs and symptoms of a pit viper bite.• List the signs and symptoms of a coral snake bite.• Determine when medical help is needed for an

insect bite.


Learning Objectives

• List the signs and symptoms of a black widow spider bite.

• Explain why the bite of the brown recluse spider is so serious.

• List the signs and symptoms of a scorpion sting.• List the signs and symptoms of anaphylactic

shock.


Learning Objectives

• Identify the two important differences between the bites and stings of marine animals and those of land animals.

• Describe and demonstrate first aid care for bites and stings.

• Describe and demonstrate first aid care for marine life poisoning.

• Describe and demonstrate how to remove a tick.


Introduction

• Although common, insect bites and stings are mostly minor.

• Although rare, some victims may develop anaphylactic shock.

• Proper first aid care for insect bites/stings and snake bites can save lives and prevent tissue damage.


Snakebite

• 45,000 snakebites a year; 8,000 venomous• Only four kinds of poisonous snakes native to

United States– Rattlesnakes– Coral snakes– Water moccasins (cottonmouth)– Copperheads

• Nonpoisonous snakebites not considered serious


Snakebite

• Characteristics of a poisonous snake– Large fangs– Vertical slits for pupils– Heat sensitive pit between the eye (pit viper)– Triangular head is larger than neck– Certain color blotches on scales


Snakebite

• Severity of a snakebite is determined by:– Location of the bite– Presence of disease-causing organisms in venom– Size and weight of victim– Health condition of victim– Physical exertion of victim following bite


Snakebite

• Signs and symptoms of a snakebite– Two distinct fang marks– Immediate severe burning pain with swelling– Purplish discoloration and blood-blisters around the

bite– Numbness around the site


Snakebite Signs and Symptoms


Poisonous snakebite to the hand. Rattlesnake bite to the leg.

Snakebite Overview


Snakebite

• Severe reaction symptoms– Nausea and vomiting– Tachycardia and hypotension– Muscle twitching, possible seizures– Weakness and/or fainting– Sweating, fever, chills– Dimmed vision, peculiar taste in mouth– Headache– Coral snakebites may display tiny semicircular

scratches.


Insect Bites and Stings

• Generally not life-threatening• General signs and symptoms

– Mark on skin– Pain or tenderness local to bite or sting– Redness and swelling at site– Possible remnant of insect at site (venom sac, stinger,

tentacle, etc.)

• Severity also based on general health of the victim, and certain findings from assessment



• Black widow spider– Most painful spider bite and causes most deaths– Particularly dangerous to the young and elderly,

or people with chronic conditions– General symptoms

• Sharp pain with bite that turns dull• Muscle spasms to shoulders, back, abdomen, chest• Fever, chills, sweating• Headache, dizziness, restlessness• Anxiety, weakness• Drooping eyelids



• Brown recluse spider• General symptoms

– Painless bite– Eventual redness with itching and swelling– Formation of blood-filled blisters– Possible “halo” pattern around bite– Eventual ulceration appears that can only be treated

by surgery and skin grafting



• Brown recluse spider bite



• Scorpion– Common to southwest U.S., and dry areas of Utah

and Nevada– Severity of sting depends on amount of venom

injected– Symptoms

• Heavy salivation• Dyspnea and difficulty swallowing• Poor coordination• Incontinence• Seizures



• Fire ants– Most common in southeastern U.S.– Ants bite into skin, then pivot around while stinging– Symptoms

• Painful blisters• Large local reaction of swelling, pain, and redness• Possible anaphylactic shock (rare)



• Fire ant bites



• Ticks– Can transmit certain diseases to humans

• Rocky Mountain spotted fever• Lyme disease

– Usually visible after they’ve attached themselves to the skin and have become engorged with blood



• Centipedes– Giant centipede is the only dangerous type– Bite results in injection of venom– Causes swollen lymph glands

• Insect stings– Honeybee, bumblebee, wasp, hornet, yellow jacket,

Africanized bees– Most serious stings occur when stung in mouth or

throat– Allergic reactions can be dangerous.


Types of Wasps, Bees and Ants



• Anaphylactic shock– Results in airway closure, bronchoconstriction,

hypotension, and possible death– Victim may benefit from, or already have, epinephrine

auto-injector pen (epi pen)– Severest attacks come on rapidly

• Initiate EMS• Loosen tight clothing• Place in shock position• Use epi pen as directed and prescribed

– Refer to Chapter 6 for details on anaphylactic shock


Marine Life Bites and Stings

• 2,000 poisonous marine animals• Most are nonaggressive• May cause allergic reaction• Mechanism of injury may be tearing of tissue

(shark), puncture injuries (stingray), or stings (coral, anemone, jellyfish, etc.)

• Two important differences from land animals– Venom is more severe in marine life– Venom is destroyed by heat, not cold


Marine Life Bites and Stings


Jellyfish sting. Stingray sting.

First Aid for Bites and Stings

• General first aid– Activate EMS, take precautions.– Remove stinger as needed, wash wound

with soap.– Remove jewelry and other constricting objects.– Apply cold compress to site (except for marine).– Apply paste of baking soda and water for bee sting;

use vinegar or lemon juice for wasps.– Observe for signs of anaphylactic reaction,

use epi pen if needed and prescribed.– Keep patient calm, reassess often.


Allergic Reaction to Insect Bite


First Aid for Snakebite

• Activate EMS, take standard precautions.• Do not cut skin, suction wound, or apply ice.• Treat nonpoisonous bite as soft tissue injury.• For poisonous bites, splint extremity and apply a

pressure immobilization bandage. • Monitor victim until medical help arrives or the

victim is delivered to medical care.


First Aid for Marine Life Poisoning

• Remove victim from water if needed.• Activate EMS, take standard precautions.• Wash the affected site.• Immerse area in hot (not scalding) water.• Use tweezers to remove any bite/sting

remnants.• Do not remove deeply embedded spines.• Monitor regularly until medical help assumes

care.


Removing a Tick

• Never attempt removal of tick that is embedded in the skin.

• If head is attached, grasp close to attachment point at skin with tweezers.

• Pull slowly and firmly until dislodged.• Wash bite area thoroughly with soap and water.• Apply cold pack or Calamine lotion to relieve

pain and swelling.• Advise victim to report bite to physician and

seek follow-up medical attention.


Summary

• Most bites and stings are nonlethal.• Some marine life, reptiles, and insects can inject

venom or barbs that can seriously damage body tissues and organs.

• Attempt to determine source of bite/sting if it can be done safely.

• Basic management includes soft tissue trauma care with specific interventions based on offending source.


first aid for colleges and universities 10th edition chapter 23 © 2012 pearson education, inc....

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