What should be done immediately after a sting or bite?

Immediately after a sting or bite, one of the most critical steps is to remove the stinger if it is present. Many stings, especially from bees, can leave behind the stinger, which continues to release venom into the body. Removing the stinger promptly helps to minimize the amount of venom that enters the bloodstream and can reduce the risk of an allergic reaction or worsening of symptoms.

This process should be done carefully to avoid squeezing the venom sac that may be attached to the stinger, which could release more venom. It’s important to use a scraping motion with a flat object, such as a credit card, rather than pinching or using tweezers, as this can also cause more venom to be injected.

Taking immediate action in this manner can significantly improve the outcome for the person affected by a sting or bite. Other measures can be taken following the removal, such as cleaning the wound and monitoring for allergic reactions, but the priority is to first eliminate the source of ongoing venom exposure.