Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Bites and Stings
Animal Bites
The main concern with animal bites is infection. Thoroughly cleanse the wound and apply dis-
infectant or antibiotic ointment and dressings. Rabies is always a possibility with animal bites.
Felines, canines, apes, raccoons, and other mammals may carry rabies. If bitten, the person
should always be examined by the appropriate medical services, even if some time has passed
and the wound has healed. Once rabies progresses to the point where there are symptoms of
nervousness, light sensitivity, and aversion to water, it is usually fatal.
Snakebites
Except for the brightly colored coral snake (red, black, and yellow, or white rings with a black
nose), all poisonous snakes leave two large holes from their fangs, along with smaller holes
from their other teeth. Most snakes are not poisonous, but can generate a significant wound
with their bite. Venomous snakebites require first aid and medical treatment.
• Call EMS. Identify the type of snake, if known, so the proper antivenin can be pre-
pared in advance of treatment. Try to kill the snake and take it along for identifica-
tion.
• Keep the victim calm, quiet, and inactive. Have the victim lie down and keep the bite
below the heart.
• Wash the wound and apply antiseptic.
•
Do not
cut the wound and try to suck the venom out. If you have a snakebite kit, you
can use the suction cups or suction syringe.
•
Do not
apply a tourniquet or cold compress to the wound.
• Monitor the ABCs and treat for shock, if necessary. Remove rings and bracelets that
might cause problems if the limbs begin to swell.
• Seek medical treatment.
Spider Bites
Treat spider bites in the same way as snakebites. The most serious spider bites in the United
States are from the brown recluse and black widow spiders. Unless the person bitten is elderly
or a small child, the bites from these spiders are usually not fatal, but they can make you very
sick and lead to flesh loss.
The black widow has a very shiny, black patent-leather look with a large abdomen and a
bright red hourglass-shaped marking on the underside of its belly. The bite may not even be no-
