Back to: Basic CPR/AED & First Aid
First Aid Actions to help a person with a bite or a sting:
- Make sure the scene is safe for you and the person who has been stung or bitten.
- Get the first aid kit.
- Wear PPE.
- Wash the sting or bite area with running water and soap.
- Put a bag of ice and water wrapped in a towel over the area for up to 20 minutes.
- Watch the person for at least 30 minutes for signs of severe allergic reaction. Be prepared to use the person’s epinephrine pen if needed.
- For all bites that break the skin, phone a healthcare provided ASAP.
- Phone or send someone to phone 911 if the person develops a severe allergic reaction.
- Provide CPR if you are trained if he/she stops breathing.
Animal/Human Bite: Apply dressings to stop any bleeding; apply ice on the bite for up to 20 minutes.
Snake Bite: Don’t move the part of the body that was bitten; remove tight clothing or clothing.
Stings: Get an epi-pen if a person is allergic to the sting; for a bee sting, scrape away the stinger and poison sac with a dull edge (like the edge of a credit card or photo ID). Do not squeeze the sac. Apply ice up to 20 minutes.
Ticks: Grab the tick with tweezers by the head or mouth (don’t twist or squeeze it) and wait for the tick to detach from the skin.
Jellyfish Sting: Wash the infected area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds.
