EXCELLENCE
IN HEALTH AND FITNESS EDUCATION

airway management

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asthma basics

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bites and stings

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BITES AND STINGS  BITES AND STINGS BITES

 

Management of Snake Bite - Pressure/Immobilisation Method. First Aid for Snake Bites: Do NOT wash the area of the bite! It is extremely important to retain traces of venom for use with venom identification kits! Stop lymphatic spread - bandage firmly, splint and immobilise! The "pressure-immobilisation" technique is currently recommended by the Australian Resuscitation Council, the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists. The lymphatic system is responsible for systemic spread of most venoms. This can be reduced by the application of a firm bandage (as firm as you would put on a sprained ankle) over a folded pad placed over the bitten area. While firm, it should not be so tight that it stops blood flow to the limb or to congests the veins. Start bandaging directly over the bitten area, ensuing that the pressure over the bite is firm and even. If you have enough bandage you can extend towards more central parts of the body, to delay spread of any venom that has already started to move centrally. A pressure dressing should be applied even if the bite is on the victims trunk or torso. Immobility is best attained by application of a splint or sling, using a bandage or whatever to hand to absolutely minimise all limb movement, reassurance and immobilisation (eg, putting the patient on a stretcher). Where possible, bring transportation to the patient (rather then vice versa). Don't allow the victim to walk or move a limb. Walking should be prevented unless you are on your own eg a farmer in a far away field or a lone bush walker. The pressure-immobilisation approach is simple, safe and will not cause iatrogenic tissue damage (ie, from incision, injection, freezing or arterial torniquets - all of which are ineffective). Treatment Rest the casualty Do not panic Apply direct pressure over the bitten area Apply a firm broad bandage over the bite area first, then bandage down the limb and continue to bandage up the full length of the limb Immobilise the limb with a splint Call for medical aid phone 000 or 112 If you are in a remote area you will need to evacuate yourself. Try to keep the bitten limb immobile. If bitten on the arm apply a compression bandage and then put the arm in a sling. If bitten on the leg apply a compression bandage and put the leg in a splint. You will need to walk out of the area. Snake bites are usually not fatal in the first four hours. Remember DO NOT WASH THE BITTEN AREA DO NOT REMOVE THE BANDAGE DO NOT ELEVATE THE LIMB DO NOT WALK OR RUN - GET HELP TO YOU

Spiders   Funnel Web

 

Symptoms and Signs Pain at the site of the bite Generalised pain Nausea and vomiting Muscle weakness and spasms Rapid pulse Increased breathing rate Sweating

Management of Funnel Web Spider Bite Use Pressure/Immobilisation method, as for Snake Bite Redback

 

Symptoms and Signs Pain Sweating and Swelling at the site of the bite

 

The venom works very slowly, and if the movement of the venom is restricted, local pain may become very severe. Reassure the casualty and apply cold compress to the site. Should the casualty become ill, call for medical aid. Bees, European Wasps and Ants

 

Management of Insect Bites D.R.A.B.C.D. If swelling of face and neck occurs due to severe reaction and obstructs airway, E.A.R. may be required and urgent medical aid Remove sting - by scraping it sideways off the skin. Apply ice - to the area to relieve pain. If an allergic reaction on a limb should be evident, i.e. redness and swelling, apply Pressure - Immobilisation method as for Snake Bite, and call for medical aid.

Bush Tick Ticks may cause paralysis of the chest muscles in small children if they remain on the body for any length of time. Kill the tick with insect repellent or methylated spirits. Repeat after 1 minute After an hour check that tick is dead - darkens and shrivels Tick should brush off. If not remove by levering out carefully with the open blades of a pair of scissors Medical aid if casualty becomes ill

 

Marine Creatures   SEA SNAKE Management of Sea Snake Bite As for land snakes, use Pressure - Immobilisation Method.

Jellyfish (Minor) Management D.R.A.B.C.D. Reassure Remove remaining tentacles with tweezers, fingers or water Apply cold packs to stung area Do not rub the skin Jellyfish (Major) e.g. Box Jellyfish Management D.R.A.B.C.D. Check signs of life - if necessary perform CPR Do not rub stung area Flood the stung area with vinegar to neutralise the stinging cells (nematocists) Apply pressure immobilisation if on limb If no vinegar, pick off tentacles, apply pressure immobilisation bandage only ABOVE the sting. Urgent medical aid

 

Stonefish and other Stinging Fish (Cobbler and Stingray) Management D.R.A.B.C.D. Do not apply pressure immobilisation method. Observe breathing and be prepared to assist if necessary Immerse affected area in hot water which will render the poison harmless. Call for medical aid if the pain is extreme.

 

Blue Ringed Octupus and Cone Shell Management Apply pressure/Immobilisation method, as for Snake Bite Commence Rescue Breathing immediately if not breathing C.P.R. may be required.