Table 16-4. ENVIRONMENTAL INJURIES TYPE FIRST AID Snake bite 1. Get the casualty away from the snake. 2. Remove all rings and bracelets from the affected extremity. 3. Reassure the casualty and keep him quiet. 4. Apply constricting band(s) 1 to 2 finger widths close to the bite. You should be able to slip 1 finger between the band and skin. ARM OR LEG BITE - Place one band above and one band below the bite site. HAND OR FOOT BITE - Place one band above the wrist or ankle. 5. Immobilize the affected limb below the level of the heart. 6. Kill the snake, if possible, (without damaging its head or endangering yourself) and send it with the casualty. 7. Seek medical treatment immediately. Brown recluse or black widow, spider bite 1. Keep the casualty calm. 2. Wash the area. 3. Apply ice or a freeze pack, if available. 4. Seek medical treatment. Tarantula bite, scorpion sting, ant bite 1. Wash the area. 2. Apply ice or a freeze pack, if available. 3. Apply baking soda, calamine lotion, or meat tenderizer to the bite site to relieve pain and itching. 4. If site of bite(s) or sting(s) is on the face, neck (possible airway blockage), or genital area, or if reaction is severe, or if the sting is by the dangerous Southwestern scorpion, keep the casualty as quiet as possible, administer an antidote if needed and seek immediate medical aid. Wasp or bee sting 1. If the stinger is present, remove by scraping with a knife or finger nail. DO NOT squeeze venom sack on stinger, more venom may be injected. 2. Wash the area. 3. Apply ice or freeze pack, if available. 4. If allergic signs or symptoms appear, be prepared to administer an antidote and seek medical assistance. Human and Other animal Bites 1. Cleanse the wound thoroughly with soap or detergent solution. 2. Flush bite well with water. 3. Cover bite with a sterile dressing. 4. Immobilize injured extremity. 5. Transport casualty to a medical treatment facility. 6. For animal bites, without endangering yourself or damaging the animal's head, kill the animal and send its head with the casualty. 7. For human bites, try to extract some of the attacker's saliva from the wound and send that in a sealed, identified container with the casualty. Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac 1. Gently clean affected area two to three times daily. Wash clothing. 2. Apply topical anti-itch lotion or ointment as needed, and cover. 3. Avoid scratching the area. 4. Observe for signs of infection (increasing redness, tenderness, warmth to touch). 5. Seek medical attention if rash persists or signs of infection develop.