How to Treat Animal Bites in the Wilderness

Rabies is carried by a number of animals in the wilderness, including skunks, raccoons, foxes and bats. Assume that any animal that has bitten a person is rabid.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Antibacterial Soaps
• Evacuation Plan
• Wilderness First Aid Classes
• Water Filters
• Irrigation Syringe
• Evacuation Insurance
• Nail Brushes
• Nalgene Bottle
• Compression Bandages
• Povidone-iodine
• Gauze Pads

1. Move away from the animal and ensure the safety of the scene to prevent additional bites.

2. Put on latex gloves as protection from infectious disease.

3. Clean the wound thoroughly and aggressively with an antiseptic soap or povidone-iodine solution (See "How to Clean a Wound").

4. Keep the wound open - do not attempt to close it with closure strips or butterfly bandages.

5. Dress and bandage the wound (See "How to Bandage a Wound").

6. Keep the patient well-hydrated.

7. Monitor carefully for infection (See "How to Evaluate a Wound for Infection").

8. Evacuate immediately to a hospital, regardless of whether you believe the animal was rabid.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your tetanus shot is up to date before departing on a wilderness adventure. Tetanus boosters should be given every 10 years.
• This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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[deltanova]

on 7/28/2008 My mother was once bitten or scratched by a squirrel--they also carry rabies. We were a bit scared, but everything turned out okay. great article!