First Aid for Insect Bites and Snake Bites: What to Do
Even though it is often done in movies - a snake bite wound should neither be tied off nor sucked. "Sucking does not succeed in removing venom from the body," explains Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Chief Medical Officer of the Austrian Red Cross. "Tying off also does not prevent the venom from spreading in the body."
Important: Stay Calm
The correct approach is: stay calm, immobilize the affected area, and contact emergency services by calling 144. Bites from native venomous snakes like the adder or sand viper are generally not life-threatening, but you should still seek medical advice. If possible without risk, take a photo of the snake - it is important to know which snake it is for the treatment of the bite. Before traveling abroad, carefully inform yourself about the native snakes and other dangerous animals there. If there is an "animal emergency," immediately seek the nearest health facility or call the appropriate emergency number!
When Insects Become Dangerous
Insect stings are usually harmless, and cool compresses help the swelling subside more quickly. "However, it becomes dangerous with stings in the mouth or throat," warns Dr. Schreiber. "In these cases, call emergency services immediately!"
The next steps:
- Remove the stinger, if possible
- Place the person in an upright position if they experience difficulty breathing
- Apply a cold compress or similar around the neck and on the sting site
- Let them suck on ice (cubes) to cool from the inside
Quick Reaction in Case of Allergic Shock
If a person reacts allergically to wasp or bee stings, quick action can mean the difference between life and death. An allergic or anaphylactic shock can lead to respiratory and circulatory arrest in the worst case. "Severe skin redness, swelling, rashes, and itching over large parts of the body are typical signs. You must react immediately then!" explains the Red Cross chief physician.
As a first responder, you assist with the administration of emergency medication that allergy sufferers should always carry. "If the affected person is no longer responsive but is breathing normally, place them in the recovery position! If there is no breathing or no normal breathing, you must start resuscitation immediately."
Safe Through Tick Season
This year, the small arachnids are particularly active due to the mild winter, lurking everywhere in the greenery in "Tick Country Austria." Caution is advised: ticks can transmit early summer meningoencephalitis (FSME) or Lyme disease. The only effective protection is vaccination against the FSME virus, which is recommended from the completed first year of life. "The vaccination consists of a three-part basic immunization in the first year, with the first booster three years later. Further booster vaccinations follow at 5-year intervals. Consult your family doctor," recommends Dr. Schreiber.
What to do if bitten? Remove the tick immediately and carefully with tweezers, a tick remover, or a tick card, including the head and mouthparts. Then disinfect and mark the bite site. Because: If a red circle (erythema migrans) forms around the site, even weeks later, it may indicate Lyme disease.
Find a first aid course near you now: erstehilfe.at
(Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.