Insect Bites & Stings

 

 

Insect bites and stings can cause pain, stinging, redness and swelling at the bite site.

Progressive symptoms include pins and needles, nausea or vomiting, headache, blurred vision, muscle weakness or immobility

In very serious circumstances, difficulty breathing or swallowing can indicate anaphylaxis.

 

Bee or wasp stings:

1. Look for the stinger barb and brush out sideways with a flat, firm surface, eg. fingernail or card

2. Reassure and rest the patient to reduce the circulation of venom

3. Apply an ice pack or cold compress for up to 10 minutes at a time

4. Elevate the limb to limit swelling

 

Spider, ant or centipede bite:
Treat a Funnel Web spider bite as a snake bite: immediately call Triple Zero (000) and apply the pressure immobilisation bandaging technique

1. Reassure and rest the patient to reduce the circulation of venom

2. Apply and ice pack or cold compress for up to 10 minutes at a time

3. If the bite blisters, ulcerates or becomes infected, seek medical attention

4. Elevate the limb to limit swelling

Call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance and prepare for CPR if:

• patient shows signs of allergic reaction eg. rash, swelling, wheezing, coughing, difficulty breathing or swallowing
• bite wound is severe or bleeding profusely
• bite is from a Funnel Web spider