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2. Administer the epinephrine by pressing the auto-injector against the person’s thigh and holding it in place for several seconds, then massage the injection site to enhance absorption.

3. If the victim can swallow, administer an antihistamine pill after administering the epinephrine.

4. Have the victim lie still on their back with their feet higher than their head.

5. Loosen any tight clothing and cover the victim with a blanket.

6. Do not give anything to drink.

7. If the victim is vomiting, turn them on their side to prevent choking.

8. If there are no signs of breathing, begin CPR.

Snakebite

Most North American snakes aren’t poisonous, however the rattlesnake, coral snake, water moccasin and copperhead are. Except the coral snake, these poisonous snakes have slit-like eyes and triangular heads with a depression, or pit, midway between the eyes and nostrils.

Rattlesnakes make a rattling sound by shaking rings at the end of their tail, water moccasins have a white, cottony lining in their mouth, and coral snakes have red, yellow and black bands along the length of their body.

Rattle Snake

Coral Snake

Water Moccasin

Copperhead

Most snakes naturally try to avoid people, and bite only when threatened or surprised. Never pick up or play with a snake.

Treatment:

1. Seek medical attention immediately if the bitten area changes color, begins to swell or is painful.

2. Do not try to capture the snake.

3. Remain calm and immobilize the bitten arm or leg.

4. Remain as motionless as possible.

5. Remove any jewelry or tight-fitting clothing, because swelling progresses rapidly.

6. Do not use a tourniquet or apply ice to the bite.

7. Never cut the wound or attempt to remove the venom.

Spider Bites

Very few spiders are dangerous to humans. In the United States, two that are dangerous are the black window and brown recluse. Both live in warm climates, and in dark, dry places where flies are plentiful, such as closets, woodpiles and under sinks. Immediate medical attention is required for anyone bitten by either of these two spiders.

The black widow is identifiable by the red hourglass marking on its belly, and it is the female who delivers the more serious bite, however it is rarely fatal. The initial bite feels like a pinprick, and soon a slight swelling and faint red marks appear. Within several hours, the following symptoms appear:

• Intense pain and stiffness

• Chills

• Fever

• Nausea

• Severe abdominal pain

The brown recluse is identifiable by the violin-shaped marking on its top. Its bite produces mild stinging, followed by local redness and intense pain within eight hours. A fluid-filled blister forms and then sloughs off leaving a deep, ulcer. Other symptoms of a brown recluse spider bite include:

• Mild fever

• Rash

• Nausea and listlessness

Black Widow

Brown Recluse

Treatment:

1. For spider bites other than the black widow or brown recluse, clean the wound well with soap and water.

2. Apply a cool compress over the bite location.

3. Administer aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen to adults, never give aspirin to children.

4. Seek medical attention if the victim is under 6 years of age or is experiencing severe pain.

5. If bitten by a black widow or brown recluse, tie a snug bandage above the bite on an arm or leg to help slow the spread of the venom. Be sure not to cut off circulation to the arm or leg.

6. Apply ice or a cold cloth to the bite.

Tick Bites

Some ticks bites transmit the bacteria that cause illnesses such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Your risk of contracting one of these diseases depends on what part of the United States you live in, how much time you spend in wooded areas, and how well you protect yourself.

Take the following preventative measures:

1. In wooded areas, wear a hat, long-sleeved, light-colored clothing, and tuck pants into socks

2. If hiking, stay on wide, clear trails and avoid piles of