Sudden illness, bites, stings, and allergic reactions

Recognize serious changes, use prescribed rescue medication correctly, and avoid common harmful bite treatments.

General field reference, not medical advice. Use it to support immediate decisions, then follow 911, rescue coordinators, medical professionals, current warnings, and local agency guidance.

Act now

1. Call 911 for trouble breathing, facial or throat swelling, altered mental status, chest pressure, stroke signs, seizure, or rapid deterioration.

2. Help the person use prescribed rescue medication according to their medical plan.

3. Monitor breathing and responsiveness and prepare for CPR if trained.

4. Keep bite and sting victims still and remove them from continuing danger.

5. Do not cut, suck, burn, freeze, or electrically shock a snakebite.

Severe allergic reaction

Anaphylaxis may involve breathing difficulty, throat tightness, tongue or facial swelling, widespread hives, vomiting, dizziness, or collapse. It can progress rapidly.

Activate emergency help and assist with the person’s prescribed epinephrine auto-injector according to their plan and training. Do not rely on antihistamines to treat airway or circulation problems. Keep monitoring because symptoms can return after apparent improvement.

Chest pain, stroke signs, and seizures

Chest pressure, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck, jaw, or stomach may signal a heart emergency. Call 911 and limit exertion.

Use the FAST reminder for possible stroke: facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and time to call 911. Record when the person was last known well.

During a seizure, protect the person from nearby hazards, cushion the head, and do not restrain them or place anything in their mouth. After convulsions stop, monitor breathing and place them in a safer recovery position when appropriate and trained. Call 911 for a first seizure, prolonged or repeated seizure, injury, pregnancy, breathing trouble, or failure to recover normally.

Snakebite

Move away from the snake. Do not attempt to capture or kill it. Keep the person calm and reduce unnecessary movement. Remove rings, watches, and tight clothing before swelling increases. Call 911 or Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 in the United States and follow instructions.

Do not apply ice or a tourniquet, cut the wound, attempt suction, or use alcohol. Do not wait for severe symptoms before seeking help.

Insect stings and ticks

Move away from stinging insects. Scrape or remove a visible stinger promptly without delaying care. Wash the area and monitor for systemic symptoms.

Remove an attached tick with fine-tipped tweezers, gripping close to the skin and pulling upward steadily. Clean the area and hands. Record the date and location, and seek medical advice for fever, expanding rash, facial weakness, severe headache, or other concerning symptoms.