This is an allergic reaction, which can be life threatening, triggered by such things as, but not limited to:

• • • Stings

    • Nuts

    • Food

    • Drugs

    • Latex

Signs and Symptoms

• Airway – swelling, hoarseness.

• Breathing – shortness of breath, wheezing, tiredness, confusion.

• Circulation – pale, clammy, increased pulse, low blood pressure.

• Disability – decreasing level of consciousness.

• Itchy, raised and sometimes red rash.

Treatment 

• Remove trigger if possible.

• Administer Epi-pen if available.

• Antihistamines may work for mild reaction. 

Nettle Stings

Nettle stings can be itchy and you may feel a stinging or burning sensation. This will usually settle down within a few minutes or a few days and you can often treat them yourself. They may cause a raised area rash on the skin.  

• Wash the affected area with soap and water.

• Avoid scratching or rubbing the itchy area.

• The discomfort should improve within a couple of hours. Seek medical assistance if it continues.

Insect Stings

Insect stings can be painful but are not usually dangerous. However, if the insect sting is in the mouth or throat this can be more serious as it could lead to swelling of the airway and obstruction. 

• Reassure the casualty. If you can see the sting, brush or scrape it off sideways with something firm. Don’t try to use tweezers to pull it out, because you could squeeze poison from the sting into the casualty.

• Raise the affected area and hold something cold against the injury to help reduce the swelling. Keep the cold compress on for at least 10 minutes. If the sting is in the mouth or throat, the casualty can sip cold water to try to prevent any swelling.

Lyme Disease

This is a disease spread by infected ticks, affecting the nervous system, joints, skin and heart. Some tick bites are harmless but the longer they are attached the greater the chance of infection. The disease may take some time to present itself.

Signs and Symptoms

• A rash may be present. The rash can be large, does not have to be circular and there may be more than one rash. The rash may not be at the site of the bite. 1 in 3 people do not have a rash.

• Flu like symptoms consisting of aches, fatigue, joint pain, headache, sweating and fever.

• Sensitivity to sound and light.

• Stiff neck.

Treatment 

• Ticks are best removed by a commercial tick removal device.

• If the head remains in the skin, remove as you would do a splinter.

• Wash affected area in warm soapy water if possible after treatment.

• Ensure casualty goes to their GP or minor injuries clinic at a hospital to be tested for Lyme Disease.