Richard McConkie, FNP, from West Valley Medical Group in Middleton, goes through the process of what to do after a child is stung by a bee. Watch this video to find out what to do and when you need to visit the ER.
First Aid For Animal Encounters
An attack by a wild animal can put you in the emergency room. A heron's beak, an owl's talon, or a mammal's teeth and claws can cause serious injuries. In addition, wild animals may transmit rabies and other diseases or parasites. Learn more about first aid for animal encounters from our experts.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredWatch this video to learn more from Dr. Mehmet Oz about black widow spiders.
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American Red Cross answeredIf the bite is from a venomous snake such as a rattlesnake, copperhead, cottonmouth or coral snake, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately. -
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First, get far enough away from the snake so it cannot attack you again.
Second, call 911 and get help. If this is not possible, move to an area where you can call or have someone drive you to the hospital.
Third, do not elevate the injury. Keep it below the level of the heart. (This answer provided for NATA by the California University of Pennsylvania Athletic Training Education Program.) -
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Dr. Elif E. Oker, MD , Medical Toxicology, answeredAn insect sting ("bite") can lead to an emergency if there is an associated infection or allergic reaction.
Sometimes patients develop skin or wound infections as a result of the insect bite. In other instances the infection occurs because the bite area has caused itching which has resulted in a break in the skin allowing bacteria to enter the wound. These infections can be treated with antibiotics.
Allergic reactions resulting from insect bites are also possible. These may be local or systemic. Local reactions are isolated to the area of the bite. Systemic reactions are the most concerning, occurring throughout the body.
Anaphylaxis is an allergy emergency that requires immediate attention. Anaphalxis is a wide spread allergic reaction that causes difficulty breathing and low blood pressure. Without treatment anaphylaxis can result in death.
Persons who are severely allergic to insect bites are often prescribed an Epi pen in the event that they are bitten.
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American Red Cross answeredBrown recluse spiders prefer dark, out-of-the-way places. Examples of places where these spiders live include wood, rock, and brush piles or dark garages and attics. People often are bitten on their arms and hands when reaching into these places.
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Dr. Tanya R. Altmann, MD , Pediatrics, answeredA snake bite can hopefully be prevented by taking the following precautions:- Wear long pants, long socks and sturdy shoes or boots.
- Keep an eye out for snakes or areas where snakes like to hide such as behind rocks, in holes and under steps or porches.
- Don't reach into any areas you cannot see such a hole, under piles of leafs or into shrubbery.
- Consider installing a snake fence around the perimeter of your yard.
- Clear away any brush, shrubbery or wild flowers in your yard. Trim plants around the bottom so you can see the ground.
- When at a park, don’t let your children wander into areas of brush or shrubbery, especially if you can't see the ground.
- Stay on the path while hiking.
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First make sure someone has contacted 911. Then make sure to hold direct pressure on the wound. Do not remove the pressure or lift the dressing once it is applied. (This answer provided for NATA by the California University of Pennsylvania Athletic Training Education Program.)
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American Red Cross answeredSee All 2 AnswersMost of the time, insect stings are harmless. If the person is allergic, an insect sting can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition.
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Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 3 AnswersFor stings from most North American and Hawaiian jellyfish, remove the tentacles and rinse the area with hot water for relief. No hot water available? Seawater will work. Then apply a topical anesthetic such as benzocaine or lidocaine.