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?