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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Human Bites Treatment

Call 911 if:

  • A human bite causes serious injury. 
  • The wound will not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of firm pressure.
  •  Blood spurts from the wound.

1. Stop Bleeding

  • Apply firm, direct pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth until bleeding stops.

 

2. Clean and Protect

  • Clean the wound with mild soap and water. Rinse for several minutes under running water.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
  • Watch for signs of infection: redness, pain, swelling, or pus. If you see them, get medical help.

 

3. Get Medical Help

  • See a health care provider about any human bite that is more than a superficial scratch because there is a high risk of infection. Even minor bites can easily become infected.
  • Tell the health care provider if the person has stiffness, lack of mobility, or numbness in the area. There may be damage to tendons or nerves.
  • Deeper bite wounds may require stitches.
  • The health care provider may give a tetanus shot or booster.
  • The health care provider may prescribe antibiotics.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by David M. Walker, MD on November 01, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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