Environmental · Chapter 27 Not started

Plant and Animal Emergencies

Bites, stings, and toxic plant contact in the backcountry and summer seasons.

Key points

Snakebite: keep the patient calm and the bite at heart level, remove constricting items, and transport — no cutting, sucking, ice, or tourniquets.
Bee/wasp stings: scrape the stinger out rather than squeezing; monitor for anaphylaxis in anyone with sting history or systemic symptoms.
Tick removal: steady straight pull with fine tweezers at the skin; note the date and watch for rash, fever, or joint pain in following weeks.
Animal bites carry infection risk (and rabies risk with wild mammals) — clean thoroughly, dress, and refer for evaluation.
Poison ivy/oak contact: wash with soap and water as soon as possible; the resin also travels on clothing, tools, and dog fur.

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