First Aid Bites & Stings


Most insect bites and stings cause mild reactions such as itching, swelling and possibly pain for a couple of days, will heal on their own and don’t require a visit to your provider. After a bee or wasp sting, remove the stinger by scraping it away with the edge of a credit card or your fingernail. Do not pinch the skin to get the stinger out. Clean with soap and water, and apply ice or cool compresses for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Contact your provider immediately


if your child has swelling on the face or tongue, trouble breathing or signs of in- fection such as swelling and pain for more than three days.


Sprains Sprains are soft tissue injuries to liga- ments. Ligaments are like rubber bands that hold two bones together at a joint and sometimes can be stretched and torn during activity, causing immediate pain and swelling. The treatment for a sprain is


Rest a sprained joint by not using it or by applying a sling


Make sure your child stays hydrated to prevent heat exhaustion


easiest to remember as R.I.C.E.: Rest a sprained joint by not using it


for fi r


Rest: Rest a sprained joint by not using it or by applying a sling or using crutches for first 24 to 48 hours after injury. Apply ice to a sprain for 20 minutes


Ice: Apply ice to a sprain for 20 minutes every hour using a thin cloth as a barrier to the skin. Frozen bags of corn and peas work great, too!


Compression: Apply an elastic bandage to the area lightly to help lessen swelling. Elevation: Lift the swollen area above the heart if possible to help with swelling. Propping on pillows usually does the trick! Continue R.I.C.E. for 24 to 48 hours, and follow up with your heath care provider if the swelling and pain are not getting bet- ter. Contact your provider immediately if:


Apply an elastic bandage Lift the swollen area above


* You or your child hears a “popping” sound at the time of the injury.


* Your child refuses to walk on or use the joint.


* Your child complains of numbness or tingling in the area.


* There is an obvious deformity. Heat Exhaustion


Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are very serious. To prevent heat exhaustion, monitor the heat and humidity outside, and limit your child’s time outdoors and the level of activity when the temperature


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