Bites, stings, and envenomations
Adam Frisch
Search for more papers by this authorAndrew King
Search for more papers by this authorStephanie O. Frisch
Search for more papers by this authorAdam Frisch
Search for more papers by this authorAndrew King
Search for more papers by this authorStephanie O. Frisch
Search for more papers by this authorDavid C. Cone MD
Professor of Emergency Medicine
Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
Search for more papers by this authorJane H. Brice MD, MPH
Professor of Emergency Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorTheodore R. Delbridge MD, MPH
Executive Director
Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems, Baltimore, Maryland
Search for more papers by this authorJ. Brent Myers MD, MPH
Chief Medical Officer ESO Associate Medical Director
Wake County EMS, Raleigh, North Carolina
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
Interactions with animals, both wild and domestic, can be dangerous and sometimes fatal. Prehospital management and transport of patients who have sustained animal injuries is an important aspect of EMS care. Prompt and appropriate response can mean the difference between small reactions and limb- or life-threatening events. While animal-related injuries are uncommon, they must be aggressively and appropriately cared for in the prehospital setting. This chapter reviews the epidemiology, physiology, and initial treatment for patients suffering animal bites, stings, and envenomations. Transport and destination considerations are also discussed.
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