First Aid for Animal Bites

Snakebites, insect bites, or stings can cause intense pain and/or swelling. If not treated promptly and correctly, they can cause serious illness or death. The severity of a snakebite depends upon: whether the snake is poisonous or nonpoisonous, the type of snake, the location of the bite, and the amount of venom injected. Bites from humans and other animals, such as dogs, cats, bats, raccoons, and rats, can cause severe bruises and infection and tears or lacerations of tissue. Awareness of the potential sources of injuries can reduce or prevent them from occurring. Knowledge and prompt application of first-aid measures can lessen the severity of injuries from bites and stings and keep the service member from becoming a serious casualty.

First Aid for Snake Bites

1. Move casualty away from the snake.

2. Remove jewelry from the affected area, if applicable.

3. Reassure casualty and keep him quiet.

4. Apply constricting band. 1-2 finger-breadths from the bite. You should be able to insert finger between the band and the skin.

a. arm or leg bite - place one band above and one band below the bite site.

b. hand or foot bite - place one band above the wrist or ankle.

5. Immobilize the affected part in a position below the level of the heart.

6. Kill the snake (if possible without damaging its head or endangering yourself) and send it with the casualty.

7. Seek medical assistance immediately.

First Aid for Brown Recluse Spider or Black Widow Spider Bites

1. Keep casualty quiet.

2. Remove jewelry from the affected area, if applicable.

3. Wash the area.

4. Apply ice or freeze pack, if available.

5. Seek medical assistance.

First Aid for Tarantula Bite or Scorpion Sting or Ant Bite

1. Wash the area.

2. Remove jewelry from the affected area, if applicable.

3. Apply ice or freeze pack, if available.

4. Apply baking soda, calamine lotion, or meat tenderizer (if available) to bite site to relieve pain and itching.

5. If the site of the bite is on the face, neck (possible airway problems), or genital area or local reaction seems severe, or if the sting is by the dangerous type of scorpion found in the southwest united states desert, keep the casualty as quiet as possible. Seek medical assistance.

First Aid for Bee Sting

1. If the stinger is present, remove by scraping with a knife or fingernail. Do no squeeze venom sac on stinger; more venom may be injected.

2. Remove jewelry from the affected area, if applicable.

3. Wash the area.

4. Apply ice or freeze pack, if available.

6. If allergic signs or symptoms appear, be prepared to perform basic life support measures. Seek immediate medical assistance