Bites and stings can happen anywhere—at home, outdoors, or at work. Most are minor, but some can cause serious infection, allergic reactions, or venom exposure. Knowing how to respond quickly can prevent complications.
Common Causes
Bite and sting emergencies may involve:
- Animal or human bites
- Bee or wasp stings
- Spider or ant bites
- Snake bites
- Scorpion stings
- Jellyfish stings
- Tick bites
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Watch for:
- Puncture marks or broken skin
- Pain, redness, or swelling
- Rash, fever, or headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle spasms
- Weakness or feeling unwell
- Trouble breathing (possible allergic reaction)
Types of Bite and Sting Emergencies
Animal and Human Bites
Any bite that breaks the skin can lead to infection.
If the animal is behaving strangely (such as a bat, raccoon, skunk, or stray dog), rabies may be a concern and medical evaluation is important.
Snake Bites
If you are unsure whether a snake is venomous, treat the bite as potentially serious.
Symptoms of a venomous bite may include severe pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, or weakness.
Insect and Arachnid Stings
Bee, wasp, spider, or scorpion stings may cause mild pain and swelling. However, severe reactions can include difficulty breathing, seizures, or loss of consciousness.
First Aid Steps for Bites and Stings
- Check the scene for safety.
- Call 9-1-1 if:
- The person has trouble breathing
- The reaction appears severe
- The person becomes unresponsive
- Put on gloves if available.
- Provide care based on the situation:
- Animal or human bite:
Wash the wound with soap and water. Control bleeding with clean dressings. - Snake bite:
Keep the person calm and still. Keep the affected limb immobilized and at or slightly below heart level. Remove tight clothing or jewelry near the bite. Do not cut the wound or attempt to suck out venom. - Bee sting:
Scrape the stinger out with a flat object (do not squeeze it). Apply a cold pack. If the person is allergic, help them use their epinephrine auto-injector. - Tick bite:
Use tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull straight out with steady pressure. - Jellyfish sting:
Rinse the area with vinegar if available. Do not rub the area.
- Clean the affected area when appropriate.
- Monitor the person. If needed, begin CPR until help arrives.
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