First aid for wasp and bee stings

Most stings only cause local pain and swelling that eases within days. A sting in the mouth or throat and allergic symptoms that spread through the body are emergencies, however. This guide explains first aid for both situations.

You will need

• A cold pack or cold compress
• A bank card or fingernail to remove the stinger
• A phone
• Your own adrenaline auto-injector, if a doctor has prescribed one

Steps

1. Stay calm and move away

   Move calmly away from the nest or the stinging insects. Do not swat at them, because that attracts more.

2. Remove a bee’s stinger

3. Recognise an emergency

4. Use the adrenaline auto-injector

5. Suck on something cold for a mouth sting

6. Cool the sting

7. Watch the local reaction

8. Get tested for allergy

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