Mountain Safety MS 18 FA Basics Insects Bites

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?