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Civilian Emergency Platform
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A leech is feeding on skin after wading in stream, paddy field, or forest — may cause bleeding when removed.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — NOT EXPERT REVIEWED — NOT FOR PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Dark worm-like creature attached, painless initially.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Bleeding continues after removal.
Scene hazards: Bleeding, Wound infection
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.
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.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Antibiotics if infected wound.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT burn leech with cigarette while on skin.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT use unknown chemicals in mouth or genitals — seek hospital.
MYTH: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pulling a leech off quickly is fine
REALITY: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Forceful pulling leaves mouthparts and worsens bleeding. Break suction at attachment site.
DANGER: DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Infection and prolonged bleeding from torn attachment.
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.