Online First Aid Class | Animal Bites

Bites and Stings

Human and Animal Bites

Animal bites that break the skin may bleed or become infected. However, bleeding and infection are not the only concerns. The risk of rabies from wild or domestic animals should be considered. Rabies cases are mostly caused by bites from wild animals such as raccoons, bats, and skunks. Domestic dogs can also carry rabies if they’ve been bitten by another infected animal.

Bats especially carry a risk of rabies. Anyone who has had direct contact with a bat should contact a health care provider as soon as possible.

If a person has suffered a human or animal bite, take the following steps:

• ● First, make sure the scene is safe for both you and the person who was bitten
• ● Wash the wound with plenty of soap and water, especially for animal bites
• ● Apply a bag of ice and water wrapped in a towel to ease swelling and bruising
• ● If bruising or swelling does occur, place the bag of ice and water wrapped in a towel on the bite for up to 20 minutes
• ● Call a health care provider as soon as possible for any bites that have broken the skin

Snakebites

Snakes can sometimes be identified by their color or bite mark. Identifying the type of snake that caused a bite can be helpful, but if you are not sure, assume the snake was poisonous.

Symptoms of a poisonous snake bite include:

• ● Pain at the bite area that gets worse over time
• ● Swelling of the bite area
• ● Vomiting, nausea, sweating, or weakness

Scene Safety and Snakebites:

While you are making sure the scene is safe, be very cautious around any snakes. Go around the snake.

Do NOT try to handle the snake even if it has been killed or wounded. A snake can bite even if it is severely wounded and close to death.

Snakebite Treatment

If someone has been bitten by a snake, follow these steps:

• ● Make sure the scene is safe for both you and the bite victim
• ● Get a first aid kit
• ● Wear PPE
• ● Ask an adult to move others away from the area and have them call 9-1-1
• ● Ask the injured person to remain calm
• ● Have the injured person remain still. Ask them to avoid moving the part of the body that was bitten
• ● Help the bite victim remove any tight clothing or jewelry
• ● Wash the area gently with running water and soap
• ● Keep the person calm and stay with them until someone with more advanced training arrives

Marine Bites and Stings

Marine animals can also cause bites and stings. A bite or sting from a jellyfish, stingray, or stonefish can cause pain, redness, swelling, or bleeding. In some cases, they can even be fatal if the victim has an allergic reaction to the venom.

Helping a Person with a Marine Bite or Sting

• ● Make sure the scene is safe for you and the person who was bitten or stung before giving first aid
• ● Get a first aid kit
• ● Wear PPE
• ● Have the injured person be quiet and still
• ● Wipe stingers or tentacles off with a towel or gloves
• ● If the sting was caused by a jellyfish, thoroughly rinse the injured area with vinegar for at least 30 seconds. If vinegar is not available, use a mix of water and baking soda
• ● Soak or rinse the area that was stung with hot water. You may also have the injured person shower in water as hot as they can stand for 20 minutes
• ● See a healthcare provider for any bites or stings that break the skin