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Sting allergy — Do This Now | AidNow

Sting allergy

Urgent

⚠️ Check: Is the area safe for you to approach?

More stinging insects nearby
Allergic person panicking

Move away. Scrape stinger out. Call 112 if breathing bad. EpiPen if severe. Cold pack on sting.

Do This Now

Step 1: Move away from the insect if still present
Step 2: Scrape out the stinger with a card edge if visible — do not squeeze
Step 3: Call 112 or 108 if swelling spreads, breathing changes, or they feel faint
Step 4: Use epinephrine immediately if available and symptoms are severe
Step 5: Apply a cold pack to the sting site for local swelling

Do Not

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT squeeze or pinch the stinger — this injects more venom.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT cut the skin or try to suck out venom.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT stay near the nest or swat at flying insects — this provokes more stings.

How to Call for Help

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 or 108 if breathing symptoms, widespread hives, fainting, or epinephrine use.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Say what insect stung them and whether they have a known allergy.

When Professional Care Is Needed

Call if trouble breathing, swelling away from sting site, vomiting, dizziness, or known sting allergy with any systemic symptoms.

DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Any systemic allergic symptoms after a sting need emergency evaluation.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Multiple stings (dozens) can cause venom poisoning even without allergy — seek help.

This helper does not contact emergency services. You must call yourself.