Insect stings are painful but not usually dangerous. However, sometimes they can trigger anaphylactic shock which is a severe allergic reaction and will require immediate medical attention.
Signs of an Insect Sting

• Sharp stinging pain followed by soreness around the area of the sting
• Redness
• Swelling
• Itchiness

Treatment for Insect Stings
If you can see the sting carefully scrape it off the skin with the edge of plastic card (like a credit card). Don’t use tweezers or your fingers to grip the sting and pull it out as you will inject more toxin into the casualty.
Put something cold like an ice pack on to the stung area to reduce the swelling and if possible elevate the part of the body that is affected. If the pain or swelling persists call 111 for medical advice.
If the sting is in the mouth give the casualty an ice cube to suck on or sips of cold water.
When to Call for an Ambulance?
If the casualty has any difficulty breathing.
If you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction (especially swelling of the lips, face or neck ).
If the casualty presents pale cold clammy skin and feels sick/dizzy/thirsty.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke, what’s the difference?
Heat Exhaustion is the body’s response to dehydration, most commonly caused by working or exercising in hot conditions. It can usually be treated by a First Aider, but if left untreated it can rapidly develop into life threatening Heat Stroke(in which case call for an ambulance immediately).
Heat Stroke is when the temperature control in the brain fails, the body is unable to cool down and the causalities core temperature can reach very dangerous levels within 10 to 15 minutes. This can be caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures or fevers.
Recognising Heat Exhaustion

• Pale, sweaty skin.
• Feeling sick, loss of appetite or vomiting.
• Fast shallow breathing and a fast weak pulse.
• Cramps in the abdomen, arms or legs.
• Headache, dizziness and confusion.

Treating Heat Exhaustion

• Take the casualty to a cool place.
• Remove excessive clothing, lie them down and raise their legs.
• Give them plenty of water (and/or isotonic drinks) to re-hydrate them.
• Get some medical advice by calling 111 even if the casualty recovers quickly.
• If they start to become less responsive call 999, role the casualty on to their side (the recovery position) and monitor their breathing.
• If they show signs of Heat Stroke treat as shown below.

Recognising Heat Stroke

• Flushed, hot, dry skin but not sweating.
• Throbbing headache.
• Dizziness, fainting, confusion or restlessness.
• Feeling sick or being sick.
• Possibility of loss of consciousness or seizures.

Treating Heat Stroke

• Move the casualty to a cool place.
• Call 999 for an ambulance.
• Cool the casualty rapidly however you can. For example,
  • Remove outer clothing and wrap in cold wet sheet, keeping it cold and wet until the casualties temperature falls to a normal level.
  • Sponging the casualty with cool water.
  • Fanning the casualty.
  • If they are conscious enough to do so placing them in a cool shower.
  • Showering the casualty with cool water from a garden hose.

A very good short Canadian film about the impact of Asbestos.

Saturday First Aid Courses are the only many busy organisations can catch up with their first aid training. I had a great day today with this lot, they had me in stiches I could hardly keep a straight face.