Facts on File Encyclopedia of Health and Medicine

for up to a week, when the toxin begins to cause
tissue necrosis (death) at the site of the bite. The
sting of the C. sculpturatusscorpion is also a neuro-
toxin; pain is immediate and later systemic
response is common. Though unpleasant, these
bites and stings are seldom fatal.
First response for poisonous scorpion stings and
spider bites:

1. Apply ice to the bite.


2. Minimize movement of the bitten area; splint if
   possible.


3. Seek immediate medical care at a hospital
   emergency department. ANTIVENIN is available
   for widow spider and C. sculpturatusscorpion
   bites.

Poisonous snake bites There are four types of
poisonous snakes in North America (see table),
the bites of which are all capable of causing death.
Antivenin is available for each type. Bites from
poisonous snakes require urgent medical treat-
ment at a hospital emergency department.
First response for snake bite:

1. Loosely splint or otherwise immobilize the area
   of the bite, and keep it lower than the HEART.


2. Keep the bitten person calm and still.


3. If it will be longer than 30 minutes before the
   bitten person can get to a hospital, wrap a
   bandage (or improvise with a scarf or other
   item of clothing) firmly but not tightly three to
   four inches above the bite, between the bite
   and the heart. The tightness of the wrap should
   be such that the responder’s finger can fit
   under it. After placing such a bandage, do not
   remove it for any reason. Doing so will release
   a surge of venom into the person’s BLOODcircu-
   lation.

Stings from stingrays, jellyfish, and sea urchins
Numerous species common in the oceans in the
coastal United States can deliver a significant sting.
Stingrays and sea urchins sting with spines coated
in venom. The spines may break off under the SKIN,
continuing to release venom. They also present
very high risk for bacterial INFECTION. Heat inacti-
vates the venom and vinegar dissolves the spines.
First response for stingray and sea urchin stings:

1. Soak the area of the sting in water as hot as the
   person stung can tolerate for at least 30 min-
   utes.


2. After the hot water soak, place gauze pads
   soaked in vinegar over the sting area.


3. Repeat these measures until symptoms improve
   or the stung person reaches a hospital for fur-
   ther treatment.

Jellyfish and related creatures such as sea

anemones and Portuguese man-o-war have clus-

ters of long tentacles covered with stinging cells.

First response for these stings:

1. Flush the area of the sting with seawater.


2. Place gauze pads soaked in vinegar over the
   sting area for at least 30 minutes.


3. Use gloved hands or tweezers to remove tenta-
   cles.


4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all tentacles are gone
   and pain subsides.


5. Seek treatment at a hospital emergency depart-
   ment.

See also ALLERGY; POISON PREVENTION.

contact toxins Substances, such as chemicals,

that cause symptoms upon coming in contact with

the SKIN. Many contact toxins cause mild symp-

toms such as contact DERMATITIS; some can cause

chemical BURNS that require urgent or prompt

medical care, depending on their severity. Rapid

FIRST RESPONSEminimizes the severity of injury and

prevents further absorption of the toxin through

the skin and into the BLOOD circulation, if the

toxin is one that absorbs in such of a way.

Site and situation assessment Determine the

severity of symptoms and the toxin. When a

chemical, take the container (with due caution to

avoid contact with the ingredients) or label.

Responder personal protection measures Latex

or latex-style gloves are essential to prevent

responder contact with the toxin.

First response actions Call 911 to summon

emergency medical personnel when situation

appears significant or call the poison control hot-

line (in the United States: 1-800-222-1222) for

guidance. Further first response actions:

382 Emergency and First Aid