When helping victims of bites or stings, do whatever you must to avoid being stung or bitten yourself. A first-aider who becomes injured could greatly complicate any emergency situation.

ANIMAL BITES

If the bite of a dog, cat, or any other warm-blooded animal breaks the skin, it is not an ordinary wound. The animal might have rabies, a deadly disease that can be transmitted through the Saliva of some mammals. The only way to learn if an animal is infected is to have it caught and tested by medical experts.

SNAKEBITES

Snakes are common in many parts of the country, but bites from them are rare. Snakes try to avoid humans, and normally strike only when they sense danger. Snakebites seldom result in death. The bite of a nonvenomous snake causes only minor puncture wounds.

Red and black-friendly jack

Red and yellow-deadly fellow

FIRST AID FOR ANIMAL BITES

1. Scrub th bite with soap and water to remove saliva.
2. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage and get the victim to a doctor
3. Don not put yourself at risk b trying to catch the animal. Call police, rangers, or animal control officers who are trained to do the job safely.