Premergency First Aid, CPR and AED Manual

7 Bleeding, Wound Care and Trauma

Human and Animal Bites Bites from a human or animal can be very dangerous both from the physical damage and from the infections and diseases transmitted. During the scene assessment, ensure that the animal that bit the patient is no longer a threat. Be aware of the possibility of the animal returning. First Aid for Human and Animal Bites • Expose the wound. Assess for broken skin. • Unless the wound is bleeding heavily, do not apply direct pressure yet. Allow the blood to wash bacteria and infection from the wound for a minute or two. • Wash the wound with an antiseptic soap and water. Pat dry and apply a dressing and bandage. • Get medical help and notify the authorities of any attacks.

Bites and stings Any bite wound that breaks the skin is at a high risk for infection from bacteria and any disease transmitted through the saliva of the animal that caused the wound. Human bites and those of domestic animals may be free of disease but contain bacteria that can cause infection. Wild animal such as raccoons, skunks, foxes, and bats or any feral domestic animals may carry the rabies virus, a fatal disease if not treated. Rabies must be suspected in all wild animal bites or any domestic animal that behaves aggressively when unprovoked. These bites require urgent medical care. Always wear gloves when examining and giving aid for a bite wound even if the surface of the skin is not broken. The saliva of the biting animal can still infect you.

264

www.preohs.com