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First Aid

First aid for bee stings

by Jo.H

Before treating a bee sting it is vital to ask the person if they are allergic to bee stings. If they have never been stung before monitor their vital signs until you are sure they are not having an allergic reaction, then treat as below.
If they show any allergic symptoms such as difficulty breathing, massive swelling or dizziness treat as below or call an ambulance, letting the emergency services know they will be dealing with anaphylactic shock .

Treatment for normal reactions to stings.
Ice will help to bring down the heat and de-sensitize the area.
Antihistamines will reduce the symptoms.
Local Anesthetics sprays will reduce pain.
Baking soda and meat tenderizer. Mix either with a little water to make a paste, it will break down the chemicals injected by the bee.

Treatment for allergic reactions.
People allergic to stings should have two first aid kit prescribed by their doctor.One should be carried by the sufferer at all times and the other should be kept with a family member, possible in the car. This will include a syringe ready filled with adrenalin, four chewable antihistamine tablets, a sterile swab and a tourniquet. At the first signs of a bee sting inject the victims thigh with adrenalin. Then apply the tourniquet above the sting area. Tourniquets need constant monitoring, loosen it every ten minutes. In correct use of a tourniquet can cause permanent damage so get proper first aid training.

More than one million people are allergic to bee stings in America, leading to approx 90-100 deaths per year.
World wide, more people die each year from bee stings than from snake or spider bites.

People allergic to bee stings can go into anaphylactic shock, this is classed as a disruption in breathing and the circulatory system. More likely is a local reaction where the victim will experience a swelling, heat and pain.

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