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All animal and human bites that break the skin are serious. Even minor scrapes or abrasions, such as in sports when the mouth may scrape a hand by mistake, should be taken seriously. Medical care should always be sought, as bites can easily become seriously infected. This is especially true of human bites and animal bites leaving a deep puncture wound. Cat scratches can be as serious as cat bites.
YOU SHOULD TAKE THE FOLLOWING FIRST AID MEASURES FOR ALL BITES THAT BREAK THE SKIN: - Control bleeding by applying pressure to the wound. Do NOT apply a tourniquet.
- If the animal bite is serious, call 000 for emergency help.
- Wash the area with running water for at least five minutes. Use an antiseptic wash solution if it is available.
- Do not apply ointments or begin treatment with any kind of medicine.
- Place a sterile bandage over the wound.
- If the animal is a pet and is confined, get the name and address of the owner.
- Capture the animal if you can safely do so. Do not place others at risk of being bitten.
- Seek professional medical care.
- Contact the police or local animal control office and report the bite.
TREATMENT FOR ANIMAL AND HUMAN BITES MAY INCLUDE: - antibiotics
- a tetanus booster (if you have not received one within the past five to ten years)
- instructions in wound care
Certain types of dogs are more likely to bite. Keep children, babies and small animals away from dogs they are not familiar with, as animals also fear the unpredictable. Teach your children never to approach strange pets or any wild animals. Article #4901 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
