Pain Swelling Bleeding Weakness Headache Muscle cramps Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea Dizziness/Lightheadedness Palpitations Difficulty breathing Fainting
Allergic reaction: Swelling of tongue, lips, head, neck, or other body parts; difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing; red and/or itchy rash; fainting or loss of consciousness. Excess blood loss: Dizziness, fainting or loss of consciousness, sweating, elevated heart rate, decreased blood pressure, rapid breathing. Venom intoxication: Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, palpitations, muscle cramps, seizures.
Allergic reaction: Swelling of tongue, lips, head, neck, or other body parts; difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or wheezing; red and/or itchy rash; fainting or loss of consciousness. Excess blood loss: Dizziness, fainting or loss of consciousness, sweating, elevated heart rate, decreased blood pressure, rapid breathing. Venom intoxication: Headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, palpitations, muscle cramps, seizures.
Whenever in doubt, always choose a higher-level of care (i. e. calling 911).
DO NOT remove any penetrating debris from neck, chest, or abdomen.
Try using hydrogen peroxide in conjunction with holding pressure to help stop bleeding if you cannot control it with direct pressure alone. Careful, hydrogen peroxide may sting!
Over the next several days, if the area becomes red, tender, itchy, sore, or begins to swell or develop a cloudy discharge, seek medical attention at the local urgent care center or emergency room. You may need antibiotics and/or drainage of an abscess.
Gauze Wound cleanser (hydrogen peroxide, alcohol wipe, soap) Tweezers Pain killer Antibiotic ointment Band-aid
If the closest facility requires at least a 10 minute drive, you should first obtain a first-aid kit and control any bleeding before transporting.
Penetrating wound to head, neck, chest, or abdomen. No access to a first-aid kit or medic station. Symptoms of allergic reaction, excess blood loss, or venom intoxication. History of prior medical conditions and/or medication use that may influence the wound treatment. When in doubt, confused, inebriated, obtunded, insecure, scared, or anything else you can think of.
