mountain safety. ms 1_8: fa basics (insects, bites & stings)
TRANSCRIPT
Mountain
Safety
MS 1_8:FA Basics
(Insects, Bites & Stings)
Learning Intention:
To equip you with the knowledge to avoid, recognise and treat insect bites and stings.
Success Criteria:By the end of this session everyone should be able to:• Describe what steps to take to avoid,
recognise and treat common insect-related problems in a wilderness environment.
Some of you may be able to:• Describe the symptoms of Lyme Disease
and anaphylaxis.
Activities:1. Discussion/Powerpoint:
- Insect problems- What can I do to avoid them?- How should you treat them?
2. Video: Tick removal
What are the likely insect problems in Scotland?
• Midges: mostly a nuisance, rarely a medical issue;
• Bees & wasps: very rare to get stung;
• Ticks: carry disease
Midges
How to avoid midges• Cover up skin• Wear insect repellent• Keep on the move• Wear a head net when stationary• Stay in a breeze• Smoke (!)• Do not camp near still water (lochs, boggy
ground) where they gather and breed• Wash pots and do not leave food waste
Midge Bites
How to treat a midge bite
• Annoying – only usually a health issue where there are multiple bites
• Apply anti-histamine cream• Do not scratch
Bee & Wasp Stings
• Rare, especially in upland areas• Painful, but not generally dangerous• Bee stings are best removed with
tweezers• Not generally dangerous, but a few
people can have an anaphylactic reaction…
Anaphylaxis
• AN EXTREME ALLERGIC REACTION• Swelling, especially around the mouth and
eyes• Sufferers should carry medication, often in
the form of a self-injecting needle or ‘pen’• Anaphylaxis can be a MEDICAL
EMERGENCY, if it threatens the airway• Evacuate to hospital IMMEDIATELY
Ticks
TICKS
• Common in some woodland• Attach themselves painlessly to passing
mammals• You will not find them unless you check
yourself• Some ticks can carry Lyme Disease
Video: How to remove a Tick
Lyme Disease:• ‘Bulls-eye’ rash• Flu-like symptoms• Arthritis & death• See a doctor
Questions?