First Aid – Flying Insect Stings
Flying insects, such as bees, wasps, hornets, yellow jackets, and even so-called “killer bees” are common throughout the United States. In most cases, they aren’t aggressive and they don’t seek to sting humans. However, when stings do occur, they’re typically minor and require only limited first aid. In other cases, however, especially if the person who’s stung is allergic to the sting, or if the person is stung many times, the situation can be quite severe or even potentially fatal. In this course, you’ll learn how to avoid being stung by flying insects, what to do if someone has been stung and is having a mild reaction, and what to do in the event of a severe reaction to a flying insect sting, including what to do if the stung person is allergic.
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Learning Objectives
• List some flying insects that sting and some characteristics of the insects • Identify some ways to avoid being stung • Identify some typical symptoms of minor reactions to stings • Explain proper first aid for minor stings from flying insects • Identify some ways to know if a person is allergic to a flying insect sting • Identify some typical symptoms of major reactions to stings • Identify proper first aid for more severe reactions to flying insect stings
Specs
| Course Level | Intermediate |
| Languages | English |
| Compatibility | Audio, Video |
| Based on: | Industry Standards and Best Practices |
Key Questions
Where in the U.S. are flying insects that sting found?
Pretty much everywhere in the United States.
Are the stings of flying insects usually dangerous or fatal?
No, in most cases, they’re minor events that require only a little first aid.
What are some good ways to avoid being stung?
Leave them alone, wear long clothing, and be observant and cautious while working.
What should a person do if someone’s been stung by a flying insect?
In most cases, apply some minor first aid.
What if the person is having a serious reaction?
Ask if the person has an allergic to insect stings, and/or look for a medic alert bracelet or an injector. Then, call for emergency medical assistance, provide the injection, provide other first aid, and stay with the person until help arrives.
Sample Video Transcript
Flying insect stings are typically minor but can be very serious. The seriousness of the reaction depends on a number of things including how many times they were stung, and whether or not they are allergic. The best thing to do is to avoid being stung. This often comes down to wearing appropriate clothing and PPE, knowing where these insects tend to live, and being alert and watchful. In most cases, these stings require only minor first aid. In other cases, however, stings require immediately getting the person to emergency medical assistance. In addition, if the person is allergic and has an epi-pen, you may have to administer it on the person’s outer thigh. Be sure you know the stinging insects where you live, how to avoid them, and how to provide first aid especially for more serious reactions.
Additional Resources
- WebMD – www.webmd.com
- WebMD First Aid – http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/allergy-insect-sting-treatment
- Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.org
- Mayo Clinic First Aid – http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-insect-bites/basics/ART-20056593
- Mayo Clinic Diseases & Conditions – http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bee-stings/basics/definition/CON-20034120
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) www.cdc.niosh.gov
- NIOSH topics – http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/insects/default.html
- NIOSH Fast Facts – http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2010-117/pdfs/2010-117.pdfe
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) – www.osha.gov
- OSHA Publications – https://www.osha.gov/Publications/rodents_snakes_insects.html
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