When treating bites and stings, basic first aid steps include the following:
- Wash the area with soap and water to clean the wound.
- Apply a cold pack or iced water for 10 to 20 minutes to reduce pain and swelling.
- If the bite or sting is on a limb, raise the limb to reduce swelling.
- Remove any stinger gently, avoiding squeezing it, and do not pull out barbed stingers.
- For pain relief, use over-the-counter pain medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
- Use antihistamines or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and swelling if needed.
- Keep the affected limb or area immobilized if the bite or sting is serious (such as snake, funnel-web spider, or blue-ring octopus bites).
- Seek emergency medical help immediately if there are signs of severe allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, swelling of face or throat, dizziness, or if multiple stings occur.
- Call emergency services if the bite is from venomous animals like snakes or funnel-web spiders and follow specific treatments like pressure bandaging and immobilization for these cases.
- Monitor for signs of infection or worsening symptoms, and seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
These measures help reduce pain, swelling, and complications while preparing for professional medical treatment if needed.
