If you're stung by hornets in the mountains, urine can serve as an emergency remedy.
Recently, incidents of deadly stings by venomous bees have occurred frequently in Yibin, Bazhong in Sichuan, Ankang in Shaanxi, Hubei, and other areas (related reports, see today’s A17 edition). What kind of preparations should citizens make before traveling during the long holiday? A reporter consulted Dr. Han Enze from the Emergency Department of West China Hospital of Sichuan University.
What to do if it happens? Don’t run — wrap your clothes around your head
Han Enze said that if you encounter a hornet nest, you should detour and avoid it, and don’t get close. Hornets are very aggressive, and the best approach is not to provoke them. Accidentally entering their habitat and disturbing their lives will cause them to swarm and attack or harm you.
If you unfortunately “stir up a hornet’s nest,” cover your head with clothing and crouch down. Absolutely do not fight back, or the hornets will keep coming after you relentlessly, and the more you run, the more they will chase. Staying still to counteract the attack is the best option.
What to do if you’re stung? Remove the stinger but don’t squeeze the wound
Han Enze said that if you are unfortunately stung by a hornet, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are far from a hospital, you can take first aid measures: use a needle or tweezers to remove the stinger, but absolutely do not squeeze the wound to avoid pushing any remaining venom into your body. After removing the stinger, you can apply ammonia water, soda water, soapy water, or even urine to the sting site to neutralize the toxicity.
Those experiencing severe pain can take painkillers, and use a cold, wet towel or a towel wrapped around an ice pack on the injury to reduce swelling and pain, then seek treatment at the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
How to prevent it? Don’t spray perfume before heading into the mountains
The issue of venomous bee stings has sparked extensive online discussion, with many netizens suggesting that people planning to hike into the mountains carry bee repellent, wear dark-colored clothing, and avoid exposing skin.
Han Enze said the opinions of netizens can also be taken as reference — many people carry essential balm when going out, which can indeed be used in emergencies. Citizens heading into the mountains should try to wear thick, fully covering, snug-fitting clothes before setting out, wear a hat, and avoid exposing parts such as arms or calves. Do not wear bright-colored clothing, avoid using cosmetics, and don’t spray perfume.
By Xiang Ling, Huaxi Metropolis Daily Reporter
1 2 3 First aid methods for hornet stings
Use tweezers to remove the poison stinger, and try to avoid squeezing the wound. Apply soapy water, soda water, or even urine to the stung area. For severe swelling, apply a cold, wet towel for 20 minutes at a time.