Summer First Aid Tips: When Ants Attack

Here's a trivia: Did you know that one of the most powerful venoms in the animal world belongs to a carnivorous, scavenging ant called the Jumper Jack? These ants are notorious for their past-time which is aggression and are responsible for 90% of anaphylaxis cases in Australia. Sure, you don't live in Australia but this ant species officially placed ants among the most dangerous insects in the world.

Halfway around the world, you're thinking that you're safe from deadly ants. Don't be too complacent, you have your domestic ant buddies- the fire ants. In case you get bitten or stung by fire ants, or any common ant species for that matter, you can do the following things as first aid solutions:

• Be suspicious of any mound-like land formations. These are possible ant mounds so keep a safe distance.
• Remove clothes, footwear or any object in your body that could possibly harbor ants. By doing so, you are lessening your chances of getting multiple stings.
• Sanitize the bitten area. Ants, though they look unimposing and sometimes even safe, have their venoms too. These venoms can trigger either allergic reactions in your body or they may cause temporary toxicity in the area affected. In case of a bite, sanitize the affected skin using alcohol or any antibacterial soap for two full minutes then rinse with water.
  
  
• Use ice packs. Ice packs and cold compresses alleviate inflammation and pain. You can also try applying baking soda solution or paste, calamine lotion or 1% hydrocortisone cream to the infected area to remove the stinging sensation.
• Disinfect the site of sting using an effective antiseptic solution such as hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol or betadine. Or, dab an antibiotic treatment to the site of ant bite.
• If ant stingers are left on the skin, remove these using a straight edge object. Do not pull out the stingers as doing so may cause the release of more venom.
• For people who have allergic reactions to ant bites, contact emergency help immediately to prevent the onset of allergy symptoms.

If anaphylaxis symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention immediately. While waiting for medical help though, do the following:

• Have the person lie on his back, with feet positioned higher than his back.

• Cover the victim with blanket and loosen tight clothing.

• Avoid giving the victim water or any type of liquid.

• If the person starts to vomit, turn him to his side to prevent choking.

• If the person becomes unconscious, try CPR.