First aid for insect bites and stings

Posted by Specialist I Trinh Ngoc Duy - Emergency Doctor - Emergency Department - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Insect bites are a condition many people suffer from, depending on the case, the type of insect will have different treatment. In some dangerous cases, patients need to be given first aid and emergency care in time to avoid affecting health.

Insect bites or stings can be dangerous. Stinging can cause pain, infection, allergies and in some cases can be very serious and fatal.
Some people have allergic reactions to insect stings. Signs of an allergic reaction include skin redness, itching, swelling, abdominal pain, and difficulty breathing. If these signs appear, the patient needs to go to a medical facility immediately.
Young children are often stung by venomous insects. Therefore, it is necessary to take preventive measures for children.
MORE: Prevention and treatment of insect stings

2.1. Assessment The first step is to assess the scene to see if it is safe, and whether there is any danger to yourself or the victim.
Assess the victim's condition: awake or not; danger signs such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, abdominal pain, bleeding ....
Assess the sting area, ask the victim about the cause and symptoms.
2.2. Plan Call for help Protect yourself from stings 2.3. Conduct Preliminary Insect Stings
Remove stings, venom, insect hairs left on the skin. Wash the affected area with soap and water. Apply cold packs or ice packs to the swelling for at least 10 minutes. Elevating or elevating the affected area can help reduce swelling. Avoid scratching or breaking blisters to reduce the risk of infection. Use topical antiseptic, antiseptic Betadine, if available. Take victim to hospital for proper evaluation and treatment

2.4. Evaluation Monitor the patient's condition
If the patient has difficulty breathing or is comatose, first aid is needed to support basic vital functions of airways, respiration, and circulation.
Insect bites or stings can be dangerous. Therefore, knowing the first aid steps when being bitten by an insect will protect the patient from a critical situation.
The Emergency Department of Vinmec International General Hospital operates 24/24 on all days of the week, including Saturday and Sunday as well as holidays of the year. The team of emergency doctors and nurses at the Department are professionally and thoroughly trained, able to receive and handle urgent cases of patients, and always coordinate with all specialties in a timely manner. fast.
With modern equipment and a team of experienced doctors, the Emergency Department has conducted emergency and saved the lives of serious and complicated patients. At the same time, patients at the Emergency Department are always coordinated care by many other specialized specialties (Team Base Care). Therefore, at the Emergency Department, patients will be examined, diagnosed, accurately and quickly, with high reliability and intensive treatment right from the emergency stage to help them quickly get out of the critical stage. dramatic and stable.