Outdoor Survival Tips
Helpful Tips for New ATV Riders
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First Aid - Stings & Bites
Hornets, bees, wasps and yellow jackets are the bane
of many an outdoors person. Just when you thought you were sitting down for a
nice picnic lunch or a mid-hike snack, in come the buzzing squadrons. The fear
of a sting motivates most to swing and swat wildly, and yet that is the worst
thing that you can do.
- Avoid attracting undue attention by
following a few simple guidelines. Dress in light-colored clothing. Studies have
shown that black, red and blue are more attractive since bees and their other
stinging cousins see in ultraviolet.
- Do not wear perfume or cologne as the
sweet smell seems to attract insects of all kinds.
- When planning a picnic, keep in mind
that fruit, red meat, sodas and food packed in heavy syrup are like ringing the
dinner bell for hornets, yellow jackets, bees and wasps.
- Should a stinging insect make frequent
fly-bys through your personal space, resist the urge to wave wildly and swat
blindly. Instead, use a gentle pushing or brushing motion to deter the
incursion. Wasps, bees, hornets and yellow jackets don't react kindly to quick
movements.
What should you do if stung?
- Cool the sting area with a cold
compress.
- If you were stung by a bee, scrape the
stinger out with the edge of a knife (don't cut yourself) or your fingernail. A
product called the Sawyer Extractor works very nicely here as it uses suction to
remove the bee venom and stinger. Do not attempt to grab the stinger and pull it
out as you will only inject more venom into skin by compressing the venom sack.
- If the pain persists, add a topical
ointment such as benzocaine to the site to numb it. An over the counter
antihistamine such as Benadryl will alleviate some of the swelling and itch as
well.
- If the allergic reaction goes beyond
mild swelling, or if there are numerous stings to the face and hands, then seek
medical attention quickly. A serious allergic reaction with massive swelling is
life-threatening and should be treated as such.
This page is provided as a service to North East
Wisconsin Riders Inc. ATV Club visitors. North East Wisconsin Riders Inc.
ATV Club can not be held responsible for errors contained in this page or any
other section of this website. North East Wisconsin Riders Inc. ATV Club
strives to ensure that all our content is kept up-to-date. North East Wisconsin
Riders Inc. ATV Club is an all volunteer organization and please remember North
East Wisconsin Riders Inc. ATV Club is NOT offering any legal advice. We
are simply trying to raise awareness. As an ATV owner it is your responsibility
to know and understand the rules and regulations regarding your ATV and the
surrounding community. Lets all try to work together to educate each other.
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