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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A leech is feeding on skin after wading in stream, paddy field, or forest — may cause bleeding when removed.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Break suction at head — do not pull. Wash wound. Pressure if bleeding.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Dark worm-like creature attached, painless initially.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bleeding continues after removal.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Leeches attach with anticoagulant saliva — bleeding after removal is common.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Most leech bites in South Asia are nuisance, not venomous like snakes.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Identify head end — narrower sucking end on skin.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not yank body — leaves mouthparts.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Break seal at skin with fingernail or flat edge.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Clean with soap water. Bandage if oozing.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Safe removal and wound care. Multiple leeches or airway leech needs hospital.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — 112 if leech in throat, nose, or eye.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Clinic if fever or spreading redness after days.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Airway leech needs ENT removal.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT burn leech with cigarette while on skin.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use unknown chemicals in mouth or genitals — seek hospital.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pulling a leech off quickly is fine
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Forceful pulling leaves mouthparts and worsens bleeding. Break suction at attachment site.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Infection and prolonged bleeding from torn attachment.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Active dog attack
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A dog is currently biting, chasing, or mauling a person.
Bee/wasp swarm
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person is being stung by many bees or wasps, or has dozens of stings — a life-threatening emergency.
Rabid animal
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was bitten, scratched, or had saliva contact with a wound from an animal acting rabid — foaming, paralysis, aggression, or unusual behavior.
Crocodile encounter
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You or someone else is near, being attacked by, or was bitten by a crocodile or alligator.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Antibiotics if infected wound.