First Aid: Bites and Stings

Bipul K Debnath

Many people in Bangladesh are killed by snake bites and insect stings every year. All snakes are not poisonous. But the traditional treatment method for snake bites in our country is not scientific. Besides, there are insect bites and stings, such as from bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants or scorpions, which can result in severe reactions, but are usually not fatal if certain steps are taken immediately. The recent incident of a hornet attack in Dinajpur that killed three little girls was tragic. Perhaps, they could have been saved with prompt first aid, like removing the stings. Many people are unaware of first aid that could save lives. Every citizen should have some idea about it. SM Sawan Shariar, chief of Red Crescent Youth, Dhaka College unit, shares the details of basic first aid for bites and stings from insects and snakes with Y&I.

How to recognise and treat symptoms of bites and stings

Insects
Nearly everyone has been bitten or stung by an insect at one time or another. Whether you’ve been attacked by a mosquito, fly, bee, wasp, ant, or other bug, insect bites and stings usually cause a mild reaction. Most reactions are mild, causing little more than redness, itching, stinging or minor swelling. An insect bite will leave a puncture wound in the skin.

First Aid
*Wash the area of the bite with soap and water.
*Place a cold compress or ice pack on the area for about 10 minutes at a time to help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap any ice or ice packs in a clean cloth to protect the skin.
*If they show no signs of a severe reaction, treat the site of the bite or sting for minor symptoms.
*Keep checking the casualty’s breathing, pulse and level of response. To avoid making matters worse, call for emergency medical help.

Snakes
There are 79 types of snakes in Bangladesh andamong them 27 are poisonous. Mainly snakes are innocent creatures and don’t bite unnecessarily. A poisonous snake has two venom teeth and some small teeth. Generally, two puncture wounds are found at the site of a bite. If you suspect that someone has been bitten by a poisonous snake, help them get medical help immediately. Encourage them to remain calm, lie down quietly and stay still. Movement can cause the venom to spread through the body more quickly. Remove tight jewelry or clothing around the site of the bite, since swelling may occur.

First Aid
If you know the snake wasnt poisonous, treat the area of the bite for bleeding and other symptoms.
*Let the person rest, keeping the head elevated.
*Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or gauze, tightening it on the upper side of the bite area.
*Observe the breathing and pulse.

To avoid making things worse, do not
*Endanger yourself by trying to capture the snake.
*Wash the site of the bite, since residual venom can help medical professionals identify the snake.  
 *Cut or suck the site of the bite.
 *Give the person anything to eat or drink.
 *Let the person sleep

If you can do so safely, take a description or picture of the snake that bit them. This can help medical professionals identify the snake and administer the appropriate course of treatment for the venom involved. Stay hale and hearty!

First Aid: Bites and Stings

Bipul K Debnath Many people in Bangladesh are killed by snake bites and insect stings every year. All snakes are not poisonous. But the traditional treatment method for snake bites in our country is not scientific. Besides, there are insect bites and stings, such as from bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants or scorpions, which can result in severe reactions, but are usually not fatal if certain steps are taken immediately. The recent incident of a hornet attack in Dinajpur that killed three little girls was tragic. Perhaps, they could have been saved with prompt first aid, like removing the stings. Many people are unaware of first aid that could save lives. Every citizen should have some idea about it. SM Sawan Shariar, chief of Red Crescent Youth, Dhaka College unit, shares the details of basic first aid for bites and stings from insects and snakes with YI. How to recognise and treat symptoms of bites and stings Insects Nearly everyone has been bitten or stung by an insect at one time or another. Whether youve been attacked by a mosquito, fly, bee, wasp, ant, or other bug, insect bites and stings usually cause a mild reaction. Most reactions are mild, causing little more than redness, itching, stinging or minor swelling. An insect bite will leave a puncture wound in the skin. First Aid *Wash the area of the bite with soap and water. *Place a cold compress or ice pack on the area for about 10 minutes at a time to help reduce pain and swelling. Wrap any ice or ice packs in a clean cloth to protect the skin. *If they show no signs of a severe reaction, treat the site of the bite or sting for minor symptoms. *Keep checking the casualtys breathing, pulse and level of response. To avoid making matters worse, call for emergency medical help. Snakes There are 79 types of snakes in Bangladesh andamong them 27 are poisonous. Mainly snakes are innocent creatures and dont bite unnecessarily. A poisonous snake has two venom teeth and some small teeth. Generally, two puncture wounds are found at the site of a bite. If you suspect that someone has been bitten by a poisonous snake, help them get medical help immediately. Encourage them to remain calm, lie down quietly and stay still. Movement can cause the venom to spread through the body more quickly. Remove tight jewelry or clothing around the site of the bite, since swelling may occur. First Aid If you know the snake wasnt poisonous, treat the area of the bite for bleeding and other symptoms. *Let the person rest, keeping the head elevated. *Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or gauze, tightening it on the upper side of the bite area. *Observe the breathing and pulse. To avoid making things worse, do not *Endanger yourself by trying to capture the snake. *Wash the site of the bite, since residual venom can help medical professionals identify the snake. *Cut or suck the site of the bite. *Give the person anything to eat or drink. *Let the person sleep If you can do so safely, take a description or picture of the snake that bit them. This can help medical professionals identify the snake and administer the appropriate course of treatment for the venom involved. Stay hale and hearty!