INSECT BITES AND STINGS

Prevention

• proper handling and clean up of food tends to avoid most problems with stinging insects
• wear light colored clothing and insect repellent when mosquitoes and black flies are present.
• in case of severe allergy to stings notify the first aider and other around you of this and what to do

Signs and Symptoms

• stinger may or may not be present
• insect bite are may be itchy and red
• in tick infested areas tuck pant legs into socks and check your body and clothing daily for their presence

• Use an ice cube or something cold on bite area.
• Monitor the breathing and condition of the patient. Be ready to respond quickly in case of severe reaction
• Calamine lotion or after-bite can be used on bite location
• No matter how itchy don’t scratch as you can end up with an infection.
• If a sting occurs check area for stinger and remove it – use your nail to scrape it off. Don’t pinch the stinger. Again ice can help reduce the swelling.
• If a tick has attached to you cover the area with grease or oil. Carefully remove the tick with tweezers. Medical assistance may be required as some ticks are hosts to potentially fatal diseases
• If a leech has attached itself to you application of salt or insect repellent will usually cause it to release it's hold

TELL A LEADER, ADULT OR THE FIRST AIDER IF UNUSUAL SWELLING OR LOOK (eg a bull’s-eye pattern) OCCURS AS SOME BITES CAN MAKE YOU VERY SICK OR BE FATAL.