Purpose of Module:
The purpose of this module is to review the principles of assessing and providing emergency medical care to victims of various bites and stings; while maintaining a high index of suspicion toward anaphylactic reactions and their required care.

Time to Complete Bites and Stings Module: 1/2 hour

Directions for Using the Bites and Stings Module:

1. Read the training objectives.
2. Review Brady Emergency Care, Eighth Edition pp. 381-392, 436-438.
3. Watch the video tape by Mosby "EMT-Basic Video Series Module 4 Environmental Injuries " Fast Forward to Bites and Stings.
4. Review handout in the back of this module on "Atlas of Specific Types of Bites and Stings"
5. Use the MED EMT computer based training software and complete Chapter 12, Section 4.
6. Take the posttest.
7. Give the module back to the instructor or person in charge.

Training Objectives:

1. List the signs and symptoms of insect bites and stings.
2. Describe the emergency care for insect bites and stings.
3. List the signs and symptoms of snakebites.
4. Describe the emergency care for a patient with snakebite.
5. Discuss identification and treatment of various other bites and stings.

Activities to Perform:

1. Watch the video tape by Mosby "EMT-Basic Video Series Module 4 Environmental Injuries " Fast Forward to insect bites and stings.
2. Review handout in the back of this module on "Atlas of Specific Types of Bites and Stings"
3. Use the MED EMT computer based training software and complete Chapter 12, Section 4.
4. Take the posttest to give yourself feedback on this module.

Posttest:

1. The venom produced by a snake or spider is an example of a(n):
A. absorbed poison. C. inhaled poison.
B. toxin. D. antibody.

2. The type of sting or bite that claims the most lives comes from:
A. snakes. C. bees and wasps.
B. stingrays. D. spiders.

3. In addition to a noticeable puncture mark, all the following are signs and symptoms of snakebite except:
A. slow pulse. C. nausea.
B. labored breathing. D. drowsiness.

4. The two classes of poisonous snakes in the United States are pit vipers and:
A. rattlesnakes. C. coral snakes.
B. copperheads. D. water moccasins.

5. The venom sac of a honeybee sting should be:
A. scraped off.
B. swabbed with alcohol.
C. squeezed and pulled out.
D. covered with meat tenderizer.

ANSWERS: (1) B (2) C (3) A (4) C (5) A