(3)
Signs and symptoms of anaphylactic shock are present.
(4) The casualty develops signs/symptoms of a Bark scorpion sting. Bark
scorpion sting requires immediate evacuation. Call the Poison Control Center at (800)
362-0101 or (602) 253-3334 for additional instructions, if needed.
NOTE:
Soldiers should keep their tetanus shots and boosters current.
2-11. IDENTIFY BEE, HORNET, YELLOW JACKET, AND WASP STINGS
There are over 100,000 species of hymenopterans (bees, hornets, yellow
jackets, wasps, ants, and similar insects). They are especially dangerous because a
casualty may be stung by many insects at the same time. The bee has a barbed stinger
that remains in the casualty. (The bee flies away and dies.) The wasp, hornet, and
yellow jacket retain their stingers and can sting repeatedly. Stings from hymenopterans
result in more deaths than do snakebites. Approximately five percent of the population
is allergic to the venom of bees, hornets, yellow jackets, and/or wasps. These casualties
may have allergic reactions that can develop into anaphylactic shock if preventive
measures are not taken. The fire ant is discussed separately in paragraphs 2-13 and
2-14.
a. Physical Characteristics of Bees, Hornets, Yellow Jackets, and Wasps.
Hymenopterans have four membranous wings. The hind wings are smaller than the
front and have a row of tiny hooks on their anterior margin by which the hind wing
attaches to the front wing. The bee has a rounded abdomen while the wasp, hornet,
and yellow jacket have thinner bodies (figure 2-4).
b. Signs and Symptoms of a Bee, Hornet, Yellow Jacket, or Wasp Sting.
Moderate reactions, if present, usually begin within 20 minutes of the sting.
(1)
Pain at sting site.
(2)
Stinger present in sting site (if bee sting).
(3)
Wheal, redness, and swelling at the sting site.
(4)
Itching at sting site.
(5)
Anxiety (moderate reaction).
(6)
Abdominal pain (moderate reaction) or cramps (severe reaction).
(7)
Tightness in chest (moderate reaction).
MD0548
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