Bee / Wasp Stings:

Signs and Symptoms:

• Stinger may be present
• Pain at the sting site
• Swelling or redness
• Possible allergic reaction, i.e. anaphylactic shock.

• Remove stinger - scrape it away or use tweezers
• Wash and cover the wound
• Apply a cold pack
• Watch for signals of allergic reaction, i.e. anaphylactic shock.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Bite mark
• Swelling
• Pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

• Wash wound
• Apply a cold pack
• Get medical care to receive antivenin
• Call an Ambulance, dial 999 / 122 or your local emergency number, if necessary

Signs and Symptoms:

• Possible marks
• Pain
• Swelling or redness
• Possible allergic reaction, i.e. anaphylactic shock.

• If jellyfish, soak area in vinegar.
• If sting ray - soak area in non scalding hot water until pain goes away
• Clean and bandage wound
• Call an Ambulance, dial 999 / 122 or your local emergency number, if necessary

The majority of snake bites are to the lower limbs. If you feel a nick or sudden pain in your legs, always check for bite or puncture marks. Try remember the size, colour and  markings of the snake.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Bite marks or scratches (fangs)
• Pain

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Lowered blood pressure
• Lowered level of consciousness.
• Blurred vision
• Progressive muscle weakness
• Paralysis in the face and diaphragm

• It is now advised not wash the bitten area, as the bite site is ideal for venom detection.

The venom will not be absorbed.
• Apply a firm bandage over the bitten area, cover the length of the limb if possible.
• Immobilise the affected limb, (treat like a limb fracture).
• Keep bitten part still, and lower than the heart.
• Reassure the victim and transport them to the nearest hospital within two hours.
• Call an Ambulance, dial 999 / 122 or your local emergency number.
• Try alert the hospital of the impending arrival of a snake bite.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Bite marks
• Bleeding
• Swelling or redness

• Control bleeding
• If bleeding is minor, wash area with soapy water. Then hold under tepid water for five minutes.
• Dry the area, apply antibiotic ointment and cover with sterile unmediated dressing.
• A course of tetanus injections is strongly recommended.
• If severely bitten, seek medical help, i.e. Call an Ambulance.

Rabies:
Rabies is a potentially fatal condition spread by the saliva of infected animals. If you suspect the bite has come from a rabid dog, the casualty should be removed to hospital immediately. Report the incident to the Police, Health Board Community Care Team, animal control personnel and the Department of Agriculture who have a contingency plan for a rabies outbreak.
To confirm or exclude rabies, an animal must be medically examined, preferably alive.