OutdoorAdventureBee stings and how urine can be an emergency remedy
Got stung by bees in the mountains? Urine can be an emergency remedy.
Recently, incidents of deadly bee stings have occurred frequently in Yibin, Bazhong in Sichuan, Ankang in Shaanxi, Hubei, and other areas (for 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, an emergency physician at West China Hospital of Sichuan University.
What to do if it happens? Don’t run—wrap your head with clothes
Han Enze said that if you encounter a beehive, you should detour and avoid getting close. Wasps are very aggressive, and the best approach is not to provoke them. If you accidentally enter their habitat and disturb them, they will swarm and attack or harm you.
If you unfortunately “stir up a hornet’s nest,” cover your head with clothing and crouch down. Never fight back, or the wasps will keep coming after you relentlessly, and the more you run, the more they will chase. Staying still is the best strategy.
What to do if you’re stung? Remove the stinger but don’t squeeze the wound
Han Enze said that if you are unfortunate enough to be stung by a wasp, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. If you are far from a hospital, you can take first aid measures by using a needle or tweezers to remove the stinger, but never squeeze the wound to avoid pushing any remaining venom into your body. After removing the stinger, you can apply ammonia, baking soda water, soapy water, or even urine to the sting site to neutralize the toxin.
Those experiencing severe pain can take painkillers and use a cold, wet towel or a towel-wrapped 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 wear perfume before entering the mountains
Bee stings have also sparked a lot of discussion online. Many netizens say that people who plan to hike into the mountains can carry bee repellent, wear dark-colored clothing, and avoid exposing their skin.
Han Enze said that netizens' suggestions can also be taken into account. Many people carry essential balm when going out, which can indeed serve as an emergency remedy. People heading into the mountains should try to wear thick, fully covering, snug-fitting clothes, wear a hat, and avoid exposing areas like arms and calves. Don’t wear bright-colored clothes, avoid using cosmetics, and don’t wear perfume.
1 2 3 First aid methods for wasp stings
Use tweezers to pull out the stinger, and try to avoid squeezing the wound. Apply soapy water, baking soda water, or even urine to the stung area. For severe swelling, apply a cold, wet towel for 20 minutes at a time.
Pathfinder Travel, an outdoor adventure and self-drive tourism website.