ANIMAL BITES Animal bites and injuries represent unusual but potentially serious and even fatal events. Virtually all negative wild animal/human interactions result from inappropriate human behavior. Don't approach, feed, or otherwise position yourself too closely to any wild animal. Typically, animals view humans as prey only if the animals are old, infirm, injured, or have been fed by humans in the past. Rabies Rabies is arguably the most important concern for wild animal bites. Coyotes, foxes, skunks, bats, and raccoons are the most frequent carriers of the rabies virus. Any bite from a wild animal should be considered a rabies transmission event until proven otherwise. Left untreated, rabies is essentially 100 percent fatal.

If possible, kill the animal that bit the victim, but only attempt this if it's easy to overpower (such as a bat). It can then be tested for rabies. If the animal cannot be tested, the victim must receive rabies vaccinations immediately to prevent the full-blown expression of the disease. Field treatment of a bite or a scratch is to wash with clean water, direct pressure to stop bleeding, dress the wound with a clean dressing, and seek immediate medical care. More serious bites, such as from a bear or a mountain lion, often result in significant blood loss and require immediate evacuation. Massive bleeding may require a tourniquet (page 28). Bites and Stings from Dangerous Arachnids and Snakes In the U.S.

, only two spiders--the black widow and the brown recluse--pose a threat to humans. Management includes a photo of the spider, elevation, ice, ibuprofen, and definitive medical care. With few exceptions, venomous snakes in the U.S. belong to the pit viper family. Rattlesnakes, water moccasins (cottonmouth), and copperheads kill their prey by injecting venom through hollow fangs similar to hypodermic needles. Although rare, the amount of venom injected by a defensive bite may prove fatal to humans. Children are especially at risk due to their small size.

First, it is critical to identify the offending animal. A smartphone is the best way to do this. This evidence can be absolutely life-saving, as it can help doctors choose the correct antivenin to give in the emergency department. For envenomations, some of the most critical points to consider are what not to do. Do not make a cut over the bite and try to suck out the poison. This does not work and may lead to serious injury and/or infection. Do not place a tourniquet; this provides absolutely no benefit, and the patient may well lose the extremity. Instead, limit the patient's activity, elevate the affected part, and transport the victim immediately to the nearest hospital.

Anaphylactic Reactions Severe, life-threatening allergic reactions are possible when bites or stings occur. They are typically the result of bee or wasp stings, but reactions to snakes, other animals, and even foods (such as peanuts) are possible too. If you suspect an anaphylactic reaction, administer an EpiPen and call 911. Instructions are printed on all EpiPen devices sold in the US, but basically expose the needle, jab sharply into the deltoid muscle or buttocks muscle, and push down the plunger until the syringe is empty.