$Unique_ID{PAR00281}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Emergency First Aid:  BITES AND STINGS:  Human and Animal Bites}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Siegfried, Donna M}
$Subject{BITES STINGS Human Animal Bite penetrate penetrates skin infectious
organisms bleed bleeds bleeding teeth marks tooth mark torn skin redness
inflammation swelling pain}
$Log{
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Step 4*0028103.tif}

The New Parents' Question & Answer Book


BITES AND STINGS:  Human and Animal Bites


CAUSES

     Any bite that penetrates the skin can introduce infectious organisms into
the child's bloodstream.


SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  -  bleeding
  -  teeth marks and/or torn skin
  -  redness, inflammation, and/or swelling
  -  pain


EMERGENCY TREATMENT

1. SEEK MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY.  Call 911 or operator, or transport
   child to emergency room.

Until Medical Assistance is Available:

2. a) If bleeding is severe, control bleeding by direct pressure and
      elevation.  See BLEEDING (later section).
   b) Puncture wounds that do not involve severe bleeding can be encouraged to
      bleed; this helps to remove bacteria.
3. Wash puncture wound with soap and water, and rinse for 10 minutes.
   DO NOT attempt to clean severely bleeding wound.
4. Apply sterile dressing or clean cloth, and secure in place with bandage.
   If bleeding was severe, DO NOT remove original dressing; secure dressing in
   place with bandage.
5. If bite is from animal, call animal control service or police, so that
   animal can be restrained and examined for rabies.
6. Observe child for shock.  See SHOCK (later section).