BITES AND STINGS – FIRST AID TREATMENT
This lovely country of ours is ideal for outdoor living and playing. Unfortunately, we share the great outdoors with a variety of insects, marine creatures and plants, some of which can inflict itchy, painful and, on occasions, even fatal bites or stings.
First aid treatment for snake bite has been changed in recent years. All of us now should be aware that we do not wash, suck out or cut the wound. A firm constricting bandage should be immediately applied over the bitten area, then the whole limb bandaged.
A splint, made from wood or some other material, should also be applied to stop the limb moving and help should be brought to the victim or he should be transported to hospital resting so as not to increase the risk of the venom spreading.
The venom of poisonous fish and snakes is destroyed by heat. Immersing the bitten part in water that is as hot as can be tolerated may destroy the venom.
But what about all those other nasties, whose sting may not be so serious but which can certainly ruin a holiday?
In the past, recommended treatments have been varied and only of limited value but not any more.
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