Self-medicating in emergencies following animal bites or stings could make the situation considerably worse. Learn what to do and what not to do in a medical emergency like this.
Going for a walk and being in contact with nature sounds like a good idea, but we must take into account other living beings and their environment. It is essential to remember that animals usually act on instinct and that we often do not know what could happen.
Medical emergencies often occur that are (sometimes) unavoidable, such as a jellyfish sting or a snake sting. And, although these situations are beyond our control, we can still take control of the situation by acting prudently.
Remember that self-medication could worsen the wound caused by the animal’s bite since the bacteria in its mouth can cause an infection. According to this, William González, spokesman for the Volunteer Firefighters, recommends immediately calling the institution’s 122 number, to receive immediate attention, since they have paramedics who will know how to treat the emergency appropriately.
So what can we do while waiting for help to arrive?
In desperation, many people act rashly and apply substances or home remedies that make the affected area worse. According to Manuel Mendía, a paramedic for the Volunteer Firefighters, ‘the most important thing, regardless of the animal that stung or bit you, is to keep the wound as clean as possible.’
The most common wound of this type, says Mendía, is a dog bite. At the time, the measure to be taken is to immediately wash the wound with liquid soap, apply antibacterial, and take the person to the hospital. ‘If you don’t take them, a black or grey stain (like a kind of bruise) is generated due to the microbes that the dog has on its snout,’ explains the paramedic.
Jellyfish
In the sea, one situation that can happen is a sting from a jellyfish. These gelatinous animals could be washed ashore and sting you with their tentacles, which are used to catch other sea creatures and eat them.
Bites from this animal can cause pain, and numbness and, in the worst cases, cause a person to have trouble breathing, according to an article published in Kids Health. Many people mistakenly try to treat emergencies with “remedies” that they have heard will do the trick. In these cases, it is best to call an ambulance immediately, not rub the area, and consult a doctor for treatment.
Scorpions
A scorpion sting is a painful but usually non-venomous sting, according to the Mayo Clinic. It may cause intense pain and numbness in the area and may be more severe for people who have allergic reactions.
Other symptoms of scorpion stings include sweating, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, and rapid heart rate, so remember that it is advisable to call the fire department to properly deal with the emergency.
Snakes
These accidents tend to occur especially in certain areas of the country such as Izabal, Petén, and Sanarate, although other sectors are not ruled out. One case recently attended to, according to González, is that of a person who was bitten by a mazacuata or boa. ‘Snakes usually flee in the presence of humans, but, when they feel cornered and see that they cannot get away, they attack as a defense mechanism,’ he explains.
Many people also have the misconception that, in the event of a snake bite, the venom must be sucked out of the mouth, but this is not recommended. According to Mendía, if there is venom left on the edge of the bite, the person who sucks it becomes contaminated. ‘In this case, the appropriate thing to do is to clean the area and take the person to a hospital. Ideally, you should keep in mind what kind of snake it was that bit you,’ explains the paramedic.
Spiders
And, although most spiders are not usually poisonous, it is advisable to wash the bite with soap and water and check with a professional about your health status. Mendía emphasizes that ‘you should not manipulate the wound if you do not know’, since it could make the situation worse, regardless of the animal that bit or stung you.
