Some Bitey & Stingy Critters

Oh there are some scary looking animals around that can give quite a horrible bite or sting, but unless someone suffers an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, may not even require medical assistance. 
Usually Ticks, wasps, ants, scorpions & centipedes can cause immediate and intense local pain around the bite or sting area, as well as localized redness and swelling. 

Ticks can inject a toxin that may cause local skin irritation or a mild allergic reaction, however most tick bites cause few or no symptoms. Bee's have that venom sac that it may leave behind and as long as it remains in the skin will continue to deliver the venom. Wasps and ants may even hit multiple times. All of these critters can cause us to do that funny dance and the ninja warrior moves.

​If  bites or stings occur around the face or neck area even if they are not allergic to the animal, this can cause difficulty breathing and require immediate first aid and medical attention.

Quickly remove the person to a safe area, if it is a bee sting scrape or flick out the stinger, and apply a cold compress, like the ones in your first aid kit or an ice pack. Monitor them in case they develop allergic signs and symptoms and require transportation to Emergency or a medical professional, especially in a remote or difficult to access locations.

​Please note that if the person has a history of allergies to ticks it is important not to attempt to remove it as they release the venom prior to being pulled out and this could exacerbate their reaction. If no signs or symptoms of allergic reaction to a tick it is best removed using fine tipped forceps or tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with a good tug, take care not to twist or jerk the tick and make sure that the head also comes away. 

If they experience symptoms after the tick is removed it is best to seem medical assistance. 
​Here is a tick alert brochure you might like to take a look at.
​www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/Publications/tick_alert_brochure.pdf